Schistidium apocarpum
(Note: this may actually be S. rivulare)
Schistidium apocarpum on bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware County, Ohio.
Schistidium apocarpum at Griggs Reservoir (Scioto River), Columbus, Ohio.
Franklin County, Ohio. December 26, 2009.
Schistidium rivulare at Thew Cemetery in Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio. February 18, 2011.
Schistidium rivulare at Thew Cemetery in Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio. February 18, 2011.
Schistidium apocarpum at Thew Cemetery in Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio. April 18, 2011.
Schistidium apocarpum substrate at Thew Cemetery.
Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio. February 11, 2011.
How to recognize Schistidium apocarpum: This moss sometimes has hyaline tipped leaves. It grows in blackish-green or dark green tufts or mats with 2-3 mm leaves that spread somewhat when wet, and curve close to the stem when dry. These leaves are ovate below and strongly keeled, with the midrib prominent on the back; this midrib is papillose above on the back and the leaf has several layers in several areas above. If the hyaline leaf tips are absent, this moss can be separated from S. rivulare by a capsule length to width ratio of more than 1.3. S. rivulare has a cupulate to short ovoid capsule and a length to width ratio of 0.8-1.3
Where to find Schistidium apocarpum: This moss is found on rocks and boulders usually in dry or not very wet habitats, but sometimes along streams and lakes.
