Plant · GBIF taxon 2679445
delicate fern moss
Thuidium delicatulumAlso known as Common Fern Moss
Delicate fern moss forms lush, bright green to yellowish mats that mimic miniature fern fronds across damp forest floors. The intricate branches divide two to three times, creating a soft, velvety carpet over shaded soil, damp rocks, and decaying logs. In humid woodlands, these moss colonies act as vital sponges, retaining moisture and sheltering soil microorganisms.
MossForest FloorFeather Moss
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Mites
- Slugs
- Snails
ThreatsDeforestation, urban expansion, severe prolonged drought
HabitatsMoist hardwood forests, shaded boulders, decaying logs
Life spanPerennial (colonies persist indefinitely)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderHypnales
- FamilyThuidiaceae
- GenusThuidium
- SpeciesThuidium delicatulum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Magnification: Use a 10x hand lens to inspect the tiny, delicate fern-like branchlets.
- Habitat Check: Look on damp soil, shaded boulders, and decaying hardwood logs in mature forests.
- Moisture Response: Watch how dry, dull mats quickly expand and turn bright green when misted with water.
Habitat Companion Lynn Harper / CC0 · cc0
Similar Pattern (c) Scott Morris, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Scott Morris · cc-by
Close Relative Seyriu-en / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
delicate fern moss is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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