The many cushion mosses on rock can be rather confusing. In trying to figure it out for myself, I have put together this table that might be useful for others. Each species is linked to "research grade" observations in iNaturalist and an illustration from other places on the web (Flora of N. Am, Eflora BC, British Bryological Society Treatments)
Species | Leaf Length | Margins undulating | Clear hairpoint present | Contortion in dry state | Colour | Habitat | Other Features | Illustrations |
Grimmia torquata | ~1.5 mm | No | Present, very small | Leaves spirally twisted around stem | Dark Green | Shaded siliceous rock along vertical faces, sea level to subalpine | Forms exceedingly dense cushions | Illustration |
Anoectangium aestevium | <2 mm | Absent | Absent | slightly contorted | Bright yellow-green | Open calcareous-siliceous rock, Sea level to alpine | Bright yellow leaves, relatively uncontorted leaves are unique | Illustration |
Amphidium californica | 2-4 mm | No | Absent | Leaves twisted but not around stem | Emerald Green | Shaded siliceous rock crevices, Sea level to montane | Leaf margin toothed near tip | Illustration |
Amphidium laponnica | 2-3 mm | Absent | Absent | Leaves twisted but not around stem | Emerald green | Shaded or open silicious rock, Sea level to Subalpine | Short sporophytes with ridges capsules common, leaf margins smooth throughout | Illustration |
Tortella tortuosa | 3-7 mm | Yes | Absent | Leaves contorted | Brown below, yellow green above | Calcareous and silicious rock, occasionally trees, all elevations | Forms loose cushions, leaf bases are clear under hand lens | Illustration |
Gymnostomum aeruginosum | ~1 mm | Absent | Absent | Slightly twisted | Reddish below, dull green above | Calcareous rock, All elevations | Capsules often present, lacking teeth | Illustration |
Hymenostylium recurvoistre | ~1 mm | Absent | Absent | Appressed and wavy when dry | Light green | Calcareous rock, all elevations | Typically encrusted with lime | Illustration |
Hymenoloma crispula | 2-3.5 mm | Absent | Absent | Strongly contorted and curled | Yellow green | Fully Exposed Calcareous and Siliceous Rock, Sea Level to Alpine | Tall, slender, erect sporophytes common | Illustration |
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This is very much appreciated! You are a lifesaver. Finally I can stop staring quite so blankly as every mossy rock I see.
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