Rhodobryum ontariense
“rose moss”
Rhodobryum ontariense (with Plagiomnium sporophytes).
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Greene County, Ohio. March 30, 2014.
Rhodobryum ontariense at Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Greene County, Ohio. March 30, 2014.
Rhodobryum ontariense (dry).
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Greene County, Ohio. March 1, 2014.
How to recognize Rhodobryum ontariense: This moss grows in clusters of what appears to be little green flowers when moist. When dry the “flowers” close up until rain or a dewy morning result in their “blooming” again. The cluster of plants are linked by underground stolons. The large 9-13 mm leaves have acute to acuminate toothed tips and are broadest above the middle, with the costa or midrib extending to the leaf tip. This is the only species of Rhodobryum found in Ohio.
Where to find Rhodobryum ontariense: The plants are found on soil and humus over rocks, which are often limestone.
