A close view of this aquatic moss shows late winter leaves that are somewhat damaged and stripped, but the soft texture and complete absence of a keel can be seen. This distinguishes F. hypnoides from other Californian Fontinalls species. Specimen from Clear Lake, California, March 29th 2012, photographed in a bowl at home. Image I12-0557.
Large clumps of the aquatic moss Fontinalis hypnoides were attached to tree roots at the edge of Clear Lake, and partially emergent from the water. They were muddy and hard to photograph in the field, but I floated this piece in a bowl at home and obtained images. Lake County, California, observed on March 29th 2012. Image I12-0548