True Mosses

This moss is seen in its dry condition here on a wall in the open near the entrance to Clear Lake State Park (Lake County, California) on March 29th 2012. Image I12-0089.

Selbitz, Bayern, Deutschland

Briantspuddle, England, United Kingdom

Selbitz, Bavaria, Germany

Selbitz, Bavaria, Germany

Briantspuddle, England, United Kingdom

Big Hammock SP. Georgia USA

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.

Tully, Queensland, Australia

Tully, Queensland, Australia

Dalrymple Creek, Queensland, Australia

Tully, Queensland, Australia

Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.), syn.: Dicranum glaucum (Hedw.),EN: Pincushion Moss, White Cushion Moss, White Moss, DE: Gemeines WeimoosSlo.: sinje bledi mah, beli mah, beluhDat.: Aug. 18. 2018Lat.: 46.362417 Long.: 13.699617Code: Bot_1152/2018_DSC04803 Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatic and Picea abies dominant trees; at the foot of a mountain; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; mostly in shade; quite humid place; partly protected to direct rain; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 700 m (2.300 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: forest soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley between villages Soa and Trenta; right bank of river Soa; below Stemerica place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Leucobryum glaucum is a very beautiful moss. Its distinct, quite large, 'velvety', intensive light green cushions (when moist, otherwise more whitish) are almost impossible to miss. Sometimes the cushions are in the form of more or less confluent shallow cushions, sometimes in the form of standalone, perfectly round half-domes. There exists a very similar species - Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) Mll. Hal. and confusion is not impossible. It is smaller (its English common name is 'Smaller White Moss' (Ref.5)) than Leucobryum glaucum. The best and most constant difference between both species are differently shaped sporophytes. Unfortunately, they are very, very rare nowadays. I haven't seen them yet. Sterile specimens are obviously more difficult to be recognized. Nevertheless, the cushions of Leucobryum glaucum are usually significantly larger and thicker than of Leucobryum juniperoideum (Ref:2, Ref:6). The cushions found in this observation were much larger (up to 50 x 45 cm and almost 30 cm thick) than what is assumed to be characteristic for Leucobryum juniperoideum (up to 6 cm in diameter (Ref:2)). Quite moist soil in a mixed forest of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica is also much more characteristic habitat for Leucobryum glaucum (Ref:6) than for Leucobryum juniperoideum, which grows mostly on non-basic rocks (Ref:.2). In addition, Leucobryum juniperoideum is listed in Slovenian Red list of Bryophytes and considered a rare species (marked by R). So, I believe Leucobryum glaucum is correct determination.Ref.:(1 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 403.(2) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 131.(3) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 237.(4) www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/pincushion.html (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(5) species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0000310177 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(6) J.P. Frahm, Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C.Mll. in North America, Archive for bryology, 84 (2011); available at: publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/y... (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(7) www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jbr.1972.7.1.1 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)

Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.), syn.: Dicranum glaucum (Hedw.),EN: Pincushion Moss, White Cushion Moss, White Moss, DE: Gemeines WeimoosSlo.: sinje bledi mah, beli mah, beluhDat.: Aug. 18. 2018Lat.: 46.362417 Long.: 13.699617Code: Bot_1152/2018_DSC04803 Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatic and Picea abies dominant trees; at the foot of a mountain; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; mostly in shade; quite humid place; partly protected to direct rain; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 700 m (2.300 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: forest soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley between villages Soa and Trenta; right bank of river Soa; below Stemerica place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Leucobryum glaucum is a very beautiful moss. Its distinct, quite large, 'velvety', intensive light green cushions (when moist, otherwise more whitish) are almost impossible to miss. Sometimes the cushions are in the form of more or less confluent shallow cushions, sometimes in the form of standalone, perfectly round half-domes. There exists a very similar species - Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) Mll. Hal. and confusion is not impossible. It is smaller (its English common name is 'Smaller White Moss' (Ref.5)) than Leucobryum glaucum. The best and most constant difference between both species are differently shaped sporophytes. Unfortunately, they are very, very rare nowadays. I haven't seen them yet. Sterile specimens are obviously more difficult to be recognized. Nevertheless, the cushions of Leucobryum glaucum are usually significantly larger and thicker than of Leucobryum juniperoideum (Ref:2, Ref:6). The cushions found in this observation were much larger (up to 50 x 45 cm and almost 30 cm thick) than what is assumed to be characteristic for Leucobryum juniperoideum (up to 6 cm in diameter (Ref:2)). Quite moist soil in a mixed forest of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica is also much more characteristic habitat for Leucobryum glaucum (Ref:6) than for Leucobryum juniperoideum, which grows mostly on non-basic rocks (Ref:.2). In addition, Leucobryum juniperoideum is listed in Slovenian Red list of Bryophytes and considered a rare species (marked by R). So, I believe Leucobryum glaucum is correct determination.Ref.:(1 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 403.(2) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 131.(3) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 237.(4) www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/pincushion.html (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(5) species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0000310177 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(6) J.P. Frahm, Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C.Mll. in North America, Archive for bryology, 84 (2011); available at: publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/y... (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(7) www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jbr.1972.7.1.1 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)

Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.), syn.: Dicranum glaucum (Hedw.),EN: Pincushion Moss, White Cushion Moss, White Moss, DE: Gemeines WeimoosSlo.: sinje bledi mah, beli mah, beluhDat.: Aug. 18. 2018Lat.: 46.362417 Long.: 13.699617Code: Bot_1152/2018_DSC04803 Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatic and Picea abies dominant trees; at the foot of a mountain; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; mostly in shade; quite humid place; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 700 m (2.300 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: forest soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley between villages Soa and Trenta; right bank of river Soa; below Stemerica place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Leucobryum glaucum is a very beautiful moss. Its distinct, quite large, 'velvety', intensive light green cushions (when moist, otherwise more whitish) are almost impossible to miss. Sometimes the cushions are in the form of more or less confluent shallow cushions, sometimes in the form of standalone, perfectly round half-domes. There exists a very similar species - Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) Mll. Hal. and confusion is not impossible. It is smaller (its English common name is 'Smaller White Moss' (Ref.5)) than Leucobryum glaucum. The best and most constant difference between both species are differently shaped sporophytes. Unfortunately, they are very, very rare nowadays. I haven't seen them yet. Sterile specimens are obviously more difficult to be recognized. Nevertheless, the cushions of Leucobryum glaucum are usually significantly larger and thicker than of Leucobryum juniperoideum (Ref:2, Ref:6). The cushions found in this observation were much larger (up to 50 x 45 cm and almost 30 cm thick) than what is assumed to be characteristic for Leucobryum juniperoideum (up to 6 cm in diameter (Ref:2)). Quite moist soil in a mixed forest of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica is also much more characteristic habitat for Leucobryum glaucum (Ref:6) than for Leucobryum juniperoideum, which grows mostly on non-basic rocks (Ref:.2). In addition, Leucobryum juniperoideum is listed in Slovenian Red list of Bryophytes and considered a rare species (marked by R). So, I believe Leucobryum glaucum is correct determination.Ref.:(1 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 403.(2) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 131.(3) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 237.(4) www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/pincushion.html (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(5) species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0000310177 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(6) J.P. Frahm, Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C.Mll. in North America, Archive for bryology, 84 (2011); available at: publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/y... (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(7) www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jbr.1972.7.1.1 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)