Plant · GBIF taxon 5281453
Grey-cushioned Grimmia
Grimmia pulvinataAlso 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (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)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderGrimmiales
- FamilyGrimmiaceae
- GenusGrimmia
- SpeciesGrimmia pulvinata
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
- 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.
Frequent Companion (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Jerry Lanfear, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jerry Lanfear · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Same Family (c) Christian Berg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Christian Berg · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
Grey-cushioned Grimmia is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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