Orthotrichum strangulatum
“Drummond moss”
Orthotrichum strangulatum on limestone rock in ravine
near Scioto River in Franklin County, Ohio. March 20, 2011.
Orthotrichum strangulatum on limestone rock in ravine
near Scioto River in Franklin County, Ohio. April 24, 2011.
How to recognize Drummond moss: Orthotrichum strangulatum is a blackish tufted cushion moss, one of our few regularly saxicolous (rock-inhabiting) members of the genus Orthotrichum. To differentiate this species from O. anomalum, which is also found on rocks, look for capsules that are immersed, not shortly exserted; these O. strangulatum capsules have 8 orange ribs 5-8 cells wide when dry with immersed stomata mid–capsule or above. The calyptra has sparse papillose hairs.
Where to find Drummond moss: Orthotrichum strangulatum occurs on boulders and dry calcareous boulders and outcrops in a few northeastern counties along a central line from Lake Erie to the Ohio River where limestone is found plus other scattered counties.
