goose neck moss
Rhytidiadelphus loreus (Hedw.) Warnst.
Rhytidiadelphus loreus, known as goose neck moss, is a nonvascular feather moss species found in North America, Canada, and Europe. It thrives in moist, coniferous and deciduous forests, acidic grasslands, and heathy slopes, growing on decaying logs, the forest floor, and as an epiphyte on living trees. It plays a vital role in water retention and temperature insulation within forest ecosystems.
Description
Rhytidiadelphus loreus (Hedw.) Warnst. is a moss species in the family Hylocomiaceae. It is distributed across Labrador, Québec, several Atlantic islands, and parts of Europe. This species is an important part of forest ecosystems, particularly in coastal regions. It grows in a range of habitats, including acidic grasslands and mountainous areas. Its ecological functions include maintaining moisture levels and regulating temperature in forest environments.
Other common names
lanky mossLittle Shaggy-mossgoose neck moss
Distribution
Labrador · Québec · Faial Island · Pico Island · Terceira Island · Madeira Island · Flanders · SE · NO · DK · Grand Duchy of Luxembourg · Belgium · Flemish Region · Walloon Region
Synonyms
Hypnum loreumHeterocladium loreumHylocomium loreumHylocomium loreum var. adpressumHylocomium loreum f. adpressumRhytidiastrum loreumHypnum loreiformeHypnum loreum var. heterophyllumRhytidiadelphus loreus f. adpressus
