Fauna
Plant

Broom Fork-moss

Dicranum scoparium

Also known as Broom Moss, Broom Dicranum Moss, Windswept Moss

Broom fork-moss forms glossy, yellow-green cushions across shaded forest floors, decaying logs, and damp rock outcrops. Its common name stems from the narrow, tapering leaves that curve uniformly to one side, giving each stem a windswept appearance. Birds frequently harvest clumps of these soft shoots to line their nests, while small invertebrates seek shelter within the damp mat.

Forest FloorWindswept LookSpore Bearing
Broom Fork-moss reference1 / 7
(c) Zeke Marshall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zeke Marshall · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Snails
  • Slugs
  • Birds
ThreatsAir pollution, severe atmospheric drying, habitat destruction
HabitatsForest floors, decaying logs, rock outcrops, heathlands
Life spanPerennial
Classification
  1. OrderDicranales
  2. FamilyDicranaceae
  3. GenusDicranum
  4. SpeciesDicranum scoparium
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Examine Leaf Angle: Use a hand lens to see the leaves curling uniformly to one direction like a broom.
  • Avoid Trampling: Step carefully on forest trails to protect fragile moss cushions from compaction.
Related species
Keep collecting in Fauna

Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

The Forest Floor

Broom Fork-moss is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.

—/12
Continue in the app
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…