Paludella squarrosa
Muscol. Recent., suppl. 3: 72. 1817.
Illustrated
Basionym: Bryum squarrosum Hedwig Sp. Musc. Frond., 186, plate 44, figs. 6 – 11. 1801
Plants 3–7 cm. Stem leaves stiff when dry or moist, 1.5–2 mm; margins serrulate distally; apex acute to short-acuminate; costa narrow, ending before apex. Sexual condition dioicous. Seta 2.5–4.5 cm. Capsule 2–3 mm. Spores 15–22 µm.
Habitat: Calcareous wet fens
Elevation: low to high elevations
Distribution
Greenland, Alta., B.C., Man., Nfld. and Labr., N.W.T., N.S., Nunavut, Ont., Que., Sask., Yukon, Alaska, Colo., Iowa, Maine, Mich., Minn., Mont., N.Y., Vt., n Eurasia.
Discussion
Paludella squarrosa is one of the most spectacular moss species in the flora area. The squarrose-recurved leaves (more squarrose than in any other species, including Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus), combined with the calcareous wet fen habitat are all that is needed for identification.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.