Plant · GBIF taxon 2683084
Common Haircap Moss
Polytrichum communeAlso known as Great Goldilocks, Common Hair-moss, Haircap Moss
Common haircap moss forms dense, dark green cushions that resemble miniature pine forests across damp woodland floors and acidic bogs. Internal water-conducting tissue allows its upright stems to grow remarkably tall compared to other mosses, topped by golden, hairy caps that shield developing spore capsules. After rainfall, the narrow leaves unfold and spread outward to maximize light absorption while channeling water directly toward the base.
Tall MossSpore-bearingAcid-loving
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Minerals
Predators
- Slugs
- Mites
- Birds
ThreatsWetland drainage, habitat destruction, severe drought
HabitatsBogs, wet heathlands, acidic pine forests, stream margins
Life spanPerennial
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPolytrichales
- FamilyPolytrichaceae
- GenusPolytrichum
- SpeciesPolytrichum commune
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
- Observation: Look closely at capsule tops in spring to spot the silky, straw-colored hairy hoods.
- Moisture Response: Watch how dry leaves curl tightly against the stem to conserve water during dry spells.
Habitat Companion (c) Justin Paulin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Paulin · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Daniel Cahen / CC BY 4.0 · cc-by
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Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
Common Haircap Moss is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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