Fauna
Plant

Grey-cushioned Grimmia

Grimmia pulvinata

Also known as Hedgehog Grimmia, Grey Cushion Moss, Pulvinous Grimmia

Grey-cushioned Grimmia forms dense, rounded, silvery-grey hummocks on sun-baked rocks, concrete walls, and roof tiles across temperate zones worldwide. Each leaf tapers into a prominent hair point that reflects excessive sunlight and traps moisture, lending colonies their frosted appearance. When rain arrives after months of desiccation, the dried tufts rehydrate within minutes, unfurling bright green foliage and pushing up curved capsule stalks.

MossSaxicolousDrought-Tolerant
Grey-cushioned Grimmia reference
(c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Slugs
  • Snails
  • Oribatid mites
ThreatsSevere air pollution, acid deposition, and intensive cleaning of stone structures
HabitatsExposed stone walls, mortar, gravestones, roof tiles, and calcareous boulders
Life spanPerennial (cushions persist for decades)
Classification
  1. OrderGrimmiales
  2. FamilyGrimmiaceae
  3. GenusGrimmia
  4. SpeciesGrimmia pulvinata
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
  • Observe rehydration: Apply a few drops of clean water to dry cushions to watch them green up instantly.
  • Inspect with a hand lens: Look for the distinctive downward-curved capsule stalks nestled inside the cushion.
Related species
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Found in Collections

Ecosystem chain

The Forest Floor

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