Sightings – Moss

Observer: Paul Lauenstein Observation Date: 5/18/20 Observation Time: 9:30 a.m. Observation Location: sandy high ground under high tension lines across the street from the Gavins Pond soccer fields Common Name: Blue Ground-cedar Scientific Name: Diphasiastrum tristachyum Comments: Diphasiastrum tristachyum, commonly known as blue clubmoss, blue ground-cedar, ground pine, deep-rooted running-pine or ground cedar, is a North American and Eurasian species of perennial clubmoss. In North America, it has been found from Newfoundland west to Manitoba, and south as far as Georgia and Alabama. It grows from creeping underground stems which are often deeply buried at 5–12 cm deep. The above ground stems emerge at nodes from the underground stem. More Information: Wikipedia and Go Botany

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 4/26/24

Observation Time: 10:15 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)

Common Name: Crome Sphagnum Moss

Scientific Name: Sphagnum squarrosum

Comment: This is our largest Sphagnum and one you’re not likely to confuse with much else. It is widespread in Europe, from the high Arctic to the deciduous forest zone, and it’s also found in Northern Asia and N America, including continental interiors.

More Information: British Bryological Society

Observer: Kathy Farrell

Observation Date: 1/5/17

Observation Time: N/A

Observation Location: Path off Mountain Street, Sharon

Common Name: Ground Pine Club Moss (a.k.a. Princess Pine)

Scientific Name: Lycopodium obscurum

Comment: Also known as a “princess pine.” It looks like a baby pine tree, and stays green even in the winter.

More Information: Wikipedia

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 6/24/10

Observation Time: 3:40 p.m.

Observation Location: Beaver Brook near tennis courts

Common Name: Princess pine

Scientific Name: Dendrolycopodium obscurum

Comments: Despite its name and pine-like appearance, princess pine is not related to pine trees. It’s actually a type of clubmoss, an ancient group of plants that had its heyday long before there were pines, dinosaurs, or flowering plants. Also known as “ground cedar,” it is also called “fan clubmoss” because of its fan-like branches. It grows from a creeping stem at the soil surface.

More Information: Westborough Land Trust