An Overview of the Diverse Moss Species Found in Florida

Florida is home to a remarkably wide variety of moss species due to the state’s subtropical climate and diverse ecosystems. From towering oak hammocks to sprawling wetlands, mosses thrive in many niches across the Sunshine State. Here is an introduction to some of the most common types of moss found in Florida.

Tree Moss

Several species of tree moss can be found growing on the trunks, branches, and roots of Florida’s trees. These tiny plants often form dense mats or dangling strands on their woody hosts.

• Anomodon minor – This moss has tiny round leaf cells and grows on limestone rocks and tree bark. Its shoots creep along horizontally.

• Haplocladium microphyllum – With small, pointed leaves, this species favors alkaline soil, limestone, concrete, and tree bases. It forms low mats.

• Leucodon julaceus – Growing in yellow-green tufts on bark and branches, its leaves lack a midrib and its cells are papillose.

• Taxithelium planum – Featuring glossy, green leaves, this epiphyte grows on trees and rocks. Its leaf cells have multiple papillae.

Ground Moss

Several moss species thrive on the ground in Florida, carpeting shady forests, disturbed soils, and exposed rocks:

• Dicranum scoparium – This moss has curly, wiry leaves on tall stems. It colonizes rotting logs and stumps in sprawling patches.

• Leucobryum albidum – Forming large cushions, its thick leaves are white-green. It dominates the ground in pine flatwoods and hammocks.

• Sphagnum recurvum – With hanging branches and clustered buds, this peat moss inhabits wet meadows and swampy areas. Its leaves hold water.

• Thuidium delicatulum – This species has frond-like growth and prefers shaded, moist habitats. Stems spread across the ground and hang from logs.

Rock Moss

The stone outcrops and limestone substrate of Florida are exploited by specialized mosses:

• Anomodon attenuatus – Creeping tightly over limestone, its green shoots have leaves edged with small teeth. Limestone glades host this species.

• Hedwigia ciliata – Growing on acidic rocks, this moss has reddish stems and strongly curled, whitish leaves when dry. Granite outcrops harbor it.

• Tortella humilis – With twisted leaves when dry, its shoots emerge from limestone crevices. Leaf cells are papillose. It tolerates drier conditions.

Aquatic Moss

A few unique mosses inhabit Florida’s lakes, rivers, swamps, and springs:

• Fontinalis sphagnifolia – Dangling in stream beds, its leaves lack a midrib. Found in clean flowing waters.

• Fissidens fontanus – Growing underwater on rocks, its flattened stems have paired leaves and thrive in freshwater streams.

• Thamnobryum alleghaniense – Forming cushions in streambeds, this moss has flagelliform branches with reddish stems and serrated leaves.

Epiphytic Moss

Epiphytes grow on other plants. Florida is home to many epiphytic mosses that use trees and even air plants like bromeliads as their scaffolding.

• Leucobryum albidum – This ground moss also creeps up tree bases and exposed roots as an epiphyte.

• Octoblepharum albidum – Growing on trees and palm trunks, this moss has succulent, white, scoop-shaped leaves lacking a midrib.

• Syrrhopodon incompletus – With shiny green shoots, it inhabits tree trunks and branches. Leaves are rolled and lack chloroplasts at the base when dry.

• Neckeropsis disticha – Simple or branched shoots stick out from tree trunks and rocks. Leaves are flat and ribbon-like.

The diverse forest types, variable moisture levels, and abundance of rocks and trees in Florida provide a wealth of microhabitats for many unique moss species to inhabit. From terrestrial to epiphytic, Florida’s mosses thrive in a wide range of settings across the state.