Figure 1: Clump of H. varium on cement.
Figure 2: Tiny leaves less than a millimeter long. (Magnification x24)
Figure 3: Branches of H. varium overlay each other, forming a mat (Magnification x8.4)
Figure 4: Leaves with costa slightly parted from the branch. (Magnification x75.5)
Name: Hygroamblystegium varium
Phylum: Bryophyta
Family: Amblystegiaceae
Common Name: Tangled Thread Moss
Collection Date: September 3, 2015
Habitat: On cement in a backyard-like setting, tucked under debris of dead grass.
Location: Hiram College campus, Hiram, Ohio
Description: Dark grayish-green, pleurocarpus moss with tiny leaves about less than 1 mm long. Leaves have midrib and are lance-shaped. Grows in a clamp, branches overlaying each other.
Collector: Linden Glaze
Key used: McKnight, Karl B. et al. 2013. Common Mosses of the Northeast and Appalachians. Princeton University Texts, New Jersey
Keying steps:
Key Features Path to the Keys (pg. 16):
Key Feature 1: Growth Form.... Pleurocarp
Key Feature 2: Leaf Shape.... lance-like pleurocarp
Key Structure 3: Midrib..... lance-like pleurocarp with midrib... Key VI pg. 358
Key VI: Pleurocarps with lance-shaped leaves with midrib (pg. 358)
1, Plants rarely more than 3 cm. above substrate... 7
7. Terrestrial.... 8
8. Leaves less than 2 mm long...... 9
9. Grows in tangled carpets or mats.... 10
10. Shoots lack cluster of branchlets at tips...... 11
11. Plants crowded, short branches arising from creeping stems...... 12
12. Leaves spread atleast 45 degrees from the stem when wet..... 13
13. Leaves 1-2 mm long...... Hygroamblystegium varium
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