Wavy Catherine moss

Description:

A moss with leaflike phyllids. Similar in general appearance to haircap moss (Polytrichum), but smaller. A magnified view of the "leaves" shows an undulating toothed margin, giving the moss both its common and specific name.

Habitat:

Moist, well lit to partially shaded areas.

Notes:

The genus name Atrichum refers to the lack of hairs (trichomes) on the calyptra (the lid of the sporangium). Genus Polytrichum has multiple hairs on the calyptra.