The Biota of the Gordon Natural Area - Bryophytes
Bryophytes (non-vascular plants which include the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts) have received relatively little investigation at the GNA. In 2007, WCU undergrad Spencer Ruston, under the supervision of Dr. Sharon Began, conducted a site-wide survey of bryophytes at the GNA, in which he noted 17 species. In 2009, undergrad Cindy Law, also under the supervision of Dr. Began, began another site-wide study of the GNA’s bryophytes. Although she didn’t finish this work, she did compile a photographic record of the eight species of bryophytes that she encountered. No additional work was done on bryophytes from that time until 2019, at which point GNA staff began photographing and collecting bryophytes with an aim towards create a more complete account of this biotic group at the GNA. The principal staff associated with this work are GNA Stewardship Manager Nur Ritter and GNA Student Intern Noah Long.
To date, 36 species of bryophytes, in 29 Genera, 23 Families, and 13 Orders have been noted at the GNA. This number is thought to significantly under-represent bryophyte richness at the GNA. Currently, we have numerous yet-to-be-identified species captured in photographs, and we hope to be able to use these to augment the species list. Because much of the bryophyte work at the GNA has employed photographs, this biotic group is extremely well-represented in our photo collection, with photos available for nearly nine-tenths (86.2%) of the known GNA species.
Note: the checklist is also available as a pdf
Aneura pinguis (Small Greasewort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Aneuraceae
Notes
Common Name: Small Greasewort
Years Noted: 2020; 2021
Identified By: Scott Schuette (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Comments:
Noted in two areas in the GNA: 1) a Swamp Cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) swamp. Growing on twigs and on slightly elevated soil; and, 2) on a heavily-decayed log alongside a trail in mature, hardwood forest.
iNaturalist Observations:
89855001 (Observed: 8/3/2021)
52527487 (Observed: 7/9/2020)
66627530 (Observed: 12/15/2020)
Images
Lophocolea bidentata (Bifid Crestwort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Geocalycaceae
Notes
Common Name: Bifid Crestwort
Year Noted: 2021
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
87897234 (Observed: 7/20/2021)
Lophocolea heterophylla (Variable-leaved Crestwort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Geocalycaceae
Notes
Common Name: Variable-leaved Crestwort
Years Noted: 2007; 2009; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Cindy Law; Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen; Kathryn Krueger
Comments:
Quite common at the GNA. This species and Frullania eboracensis are the two most commonly encountered Liverworts at the GNA.
iNaturalist Observations:
146893656 (Observed: 1/19/2023)
138613712 (Observed: 10/11/2022)
106746665 (Observed: 2/11/2022)
105617465 (Observed: 1/25/2022)
89831887 (Observed: 8/3/2021)
39765233 (Observed: 3/9/2020)
40103246 (Observed: 3/16/2020)
42226802 (Observed: 4/14/2020)
66390184 (Observed: 12/10/2020)
66627891 (Observed: 12/15/2020)
68614117 (Observed: 1/25/2021)
Images
Frullania eboracensis (New York Scalewort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Jubulaceae
Notes
Common Names: New York Scalewort; Common Scalewort
Years Noted: 2017; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Also Noted By: Noah Long; Maeve Dowd
Comments:
Seemingly, the most common leafy liverwort at the Gordon. Observed growing on the bark of Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera), and Red Maple (Acer rubrum).
iNaturalist Observations:
99537627 (Observed: 10/26/2021)
37590246 (Observed: 1/13/2020)
50602427 (Observed: 6/22/2020)
Images
Pallavicinia lyellii (Veilwort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Pallaviciniaceae
Notes
Common Names: Veilwort; Ribbonwort
Years Noted: 2021; 2022; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
92523355 (Observed: 8/25/2021)
144417214 (Observed: 12/14/2022)
106747241 (Observed: 2/11/2022)
92513649 (Observed: 8/25/2021)
Images
Radula cf. complanata (Flatleaf Scalewort)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Liverworts
Family: Radulaceae
Notes
Common Name: Flatleaf Scalewort
Year Noted: 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
42130702 (Observed: 4/9/2020)
Images
Amblystegiaceae Indet. #1. (No Common Name)
Anomodon attenuatus (Poodle Moss)
Brachytheciaceae Indet. #1. (No Common Name)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Notes
Common Name: No Common Name
Year Noted: 2019
Identified By: Carlos J. Pasiche Lisboa (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
38852686 (Observed: 5/29/2019)
Images
Bryoandersonia illecebra (Spoon-leaved Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Notes
Common Names: Spoon-leaved Moss; Worm Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2019; 2020; 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; kojo1019 (iNaturalist)
iNaturalist Observations:
39533318 (Observed: 2/25/2020)
141697674 (Observed: 11/11/2022)
Images
Climacium dendroides (Northern Tree Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Climaciaceae
Notes
Common Names: Northern Tree Moss; Palm Tree Moss; Tree Moss
Years Noted: 2019; 2020; 2021
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Also Noted By: Ariana Rivellini; Noah Long
iNaturalist Observations:
37914840 (Observed: 10/18/2019)
Images
Dicranella heteromalla (Fine Hair Moss)
Dicranum scoparium (Broom Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Dicranaceae
Notes
Common Names: Broom Moss; Wind-swept Moss
Year Noted: 2021
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
77514249 (Observed: 5/5/2021)
Images
Ceratodon purpureus (Redshank)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Ditrichaceae
Notes
Common Names: Redshank; Purple Moss; Red Roof Moss
Year Noted: 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
139258140 (Observed: 10/17/2022)
Entodon seductrix (Seductive Entodon Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Entodontaceae
Notes
Common Names: Seductive Entodon Moss; Round-stem Entodon Moss; Cord Glaze Moss
Year Noted: 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
40985840 (Observed: 3/29/2020)
Images
Fissidens adianthoides (Maidenhair Pocket Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Fissidentaceae
Notes
Common Names: Maidenhair Pocket Moss; Maidenhair Split-toothed Moss
Years Noted: 2009; 2019; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Cindy Law
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Ariana Rivellini
Comments:
Very common in the GNA in a variety of habitats.
Images
Fissidens osmundoides (Fern Pocket Moss)
Funaria Indet. #1. (No Common Name)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Funariaceae
Notes
Common Name: No Common Name
Year Noted: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Physcomitrium pyriforme (Goblet Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Funariaceae
Notes
Common Names: Goblet Moss; Common Bladder Moss; Pear-shaped Urn Moss
Years Noted: 2020; 2021; 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
110836307 (Observed: 4/8/2022)
77512449 (Observed: 5/5/2021)
40982646 (Observed: 3/29/2020)
42996320 (Observed: 4/23/2020)
46764631 (Observed: 5/21/2020)
Images
Grimmia Indet. #1. (No Common Name)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Grimmiaceae
Notes
Common Name: No Common Name
Year Noted: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Schistidium apocarpum Group (Schistidium Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Grimmiaceae
Notes
Common Names: Schistidium Moss; Prickly Cannikin Moss
Years Noted: 2019; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Comments:
Noted growing on boulders in a few areas of the Gordon.
iNaturalist Observations:
141701789 (Observed: 3/18/2019)
Images
Hedwigia ciliata (White-tipped Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Hedwigiaceae
Notes
Common Names: White-tipped Moss; Medusa Moss; Ciliate Hedwigia Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
42997585 (Observed: 4/23/2020)
Images
Hypnum imponens (Brocade Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Hypnaceae
Notes
Common Names: Brocade Moss; Feather Moss; Pellucid Plait Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Kathryn Krueger
iNaturalist Observations:
139863944 (Observed: 10/21/2022)
102732320 (Observed: 12/7/2021)
41190648 (Observed: 4/26/2019)
66430335 (Observed: 12/10/2020)
Images
Platygyrium repens (Oil Spill Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Hypnaceae
Notes
Common Names: Oil Spill Moss; Flat Brocade Moss; Platygyrium Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2009; 2010; 2019
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Cindy Law; Gerry Hertel; Nur Ritter
Comments:
A very common species at the GNA.
Images
Forsstroemia trichomitria (Fan Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Leptodontaceae
Notes
Common Name: Fan Moss
Identified By: mjpapay (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
123263604 (Observed: 6/24/2022)
Images
Leucobryum albidum (White Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Leucobryaceae
Notes
Common Name: White Moss
Year Noted: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Leucobryum glaucum (Pincushion Moss)
Plagiomnium ciliare (Saber Tooth Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Mniaceae
Notes
Common Names: Saber Tooth Moss; Wavy-leaf Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2009; 2019; 2020; 2021; 2023
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Cindy Law; Nur Ritter; Noah Long
iNaturalist Observations:
77668928 (Observed: 5/6/2021)
38845436 (Observed: 5/16/2019)
Images
Plagiomnium cuspidatum (Woodsy Thyme-Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Mniaceae
Notes
Common Names: Woodsy Thyme-Moss; Baby Tooth Moss; Woodsy Leafy Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2019; 2020; 2022; 2024
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Paige Vermeulen
iNaturalist Observations:
203094405 (Observed: 3/18/2024)
141704946 (Observed: 11/27/2019)
107430719 (Observed: 2/22/2022)
40992178 (Observed: 3/29/2020)
Images
Rhizomnium Indet. #1
Rhizomnium punctatum (Dotted Thyme Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Mniaceae
Notes
Common Names: Dotted Thyme Moss; Red Penny Moss; Dotted Leafy Moss
Years Noted: 2019; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
42998262 (Observed: 4/23/2020)
Images
Lewinskya affinis (Wood Bristle-Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Orthotrichaceae
Notes
Common Name: Wood Bristle-Moss
Identified and First Noted By:
Orthotrichum anomalum (Anomalous Bristle-moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Orthotrichaceae
Notes
Common Name: Anomalous Bristle-moss
Years Noted: 2020; 2021; 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
104416073 (Observed: 1/4/2022)
Images
Orthotrichum cf. stellatum (Stellate Orthotrichum Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Orthotrichaceae
Notes
Common Name: Stellate Orthotrichum Moss
Years Noted: 2019; 2021
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
70342090 (Observed: 2/28/2021)
Images
Orthotrichum strangulatum (Drummond Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Orthotrichaceae
Notes
Common Names: Drummond Moss; Strangulate Orthotrichum Moss; Shy Bristle Moss
Years Noted: 2019; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Comments:
Growing on boulders in the Gordon. Noted occasionally in the forest south of Stadium Road.
Images
Atrichum altecristatum (Wavy Starburst Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Polytrichaceae
Notes
Common Name: Wavy Starburst Moss
Year Noted: 2019
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
Comments:
Seemingly, fairly common in the GNA. In shaded areas, often near streams.
Images
Atrichum angustatum (Lesser Smoothcap Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Polytrichaceae
Notes
Common Names: Lesser Smoothcap Moss; Slender Starburst Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2009; 2019; 2021
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Cindy Law; Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
141699914 (Observed: 4/27/2021)
Images
Atrichum undulatum (Wavy Catharinea)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Polytrichaceae
Notes
Common Name: Wavy Catharinea
Years Noted: 2007; 2019
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter
Images
Polytrichum ohioense (Ohio Haircap Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Polytrichaceae
Notes
Common Names: Ohio Haircap Moss; Oak Haircap Moss
Years Noted: 2007; 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter
Images
Pottiaceae Indet. #1. (No Common Name)
Ptychomitrium incurvum (Gnomes Hood Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Ptychomitriaceae
Notes
Common Names: Gnome's Hood Moss; Incurved Grizzled Moss
Year Noted: 2019
Identified By: Carlos J. Pasiche Lisboa (iNaturalist)
First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
40749522 (Observed: 3/28/2019)
Images
Sphagnum cf. fimbriatum (Fringed Bogmoss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Sphagnaceae
Notes
Common Names: Fringed Bogmoss; Fringed Peat Moss
Year Noted: 2020
Identified and First Noted By: Nur Ritter
iNaturalist Observations:
58979391 (Observed: 9/8/2020)
Images
Thuidium allenii (Allens Thuidium Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Thuidiaceae
Notes
Common Names: Allen's Thuidium Moss; Fernmoss
Year Noted: 2007
Identified and First Noted By: Spencer Ruston
Thuidium delicatulum (Delicate Fern Moss)
Group: Bryophytes
Type: Mosses
Family: Thuidiaceae
Notes
Common Names: Delicate Fern Moss; Common Fern Moss; Delicate Thuidium Moss
Years Noted: 2009; 2019; 2021; 2022
Identified and First Noted By: Cindy Law
Also Noted By: Nur Ritter; Kathryn Krueger
Comments:
Very common throughout the forested areas of the Gordon.
iNaturalist Observations:
139865642 (Observed: 10/21/2022)
100600165 (Observed: 11/3/2021)
37824588 (Observed: 12/31/2019)