Bryophytes

From Natural History of Southeast Alaska
Jump to: navigation, search

Alphabetical list by Genus

Contents

Liverworts (Marchantiophyta)

Acrobolbaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Acrobolbus ciliatusOriginally collected by Worley (though not processed until later) from near Sitka in the early 1970s. Refound in 2023, with a second population discovered on the outer coast of Glacier Bay National Park. Known locations are on steep, north-facing rock, typically further shaded by overgrowing vascular plants. Likely persistently damp (except when frozen), but not overrun with water.

Anastrophyllaceae ( 14 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Anastrepta orcadensis
Anastrophyllum assimile
Anastrophyllum donianum
Barbilophozia barbata
Barbilophozia hatcheri
Barbilophozia lycopodioides
Gymnocolea inflata
Neoorthocaulis attenuatus
Neoorthocaulis floerkei
Schljakovia kunzeana
Schljakovianthus quadrilobus
Sphenolobus minutus
Sphenolobus saxicola
Tetralophozia setiformis

Aneuraceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Aneura pinguisSmall thallose liverwort somewhat similar to Riccardia, but with a greasier look and feel and thicker thallus. Probably quite common in moist habitats
Riccardia chamedryfolia
Riccardia latifrons
Riccardia multifida
Riccardia palmataSeems to be fairly common in the Sitka area.

Antheliaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Anthelia julacea
Anthelia juratzkana

Aytoniaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Asterella gracilis
Asterella lindenbergianaRosette forming thallose liverwort. The skirt-like fringe on the margin of the sporophytes is unique to this genus. The thallose pores have a star-like appearance visible with hand lens
Reboulia hemisphaerica

Blasiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Blasia pusillaApparently fairly common rosette forming thallose liverwort along the upper edge of the mud flats Blue Lake, and on sand bars adjacent to the main inflow stream to Blue Lake. Stellate gemmae near the tips of the lobes are fairly distinctive

Calypogeiaceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Calypogeia azurea
Calypogeia integristipula
Calypogeia muelleriana
Calypogeia neesiana
Calypogeia sphagnicola

Cephaloziaceae ( 10 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Cephalozia bicuspidata
Cephalozia connivens
Cephalozia leucantha
Cephalozia loitlesbergeri
Cephalozia lunulifolia
Cephalozia pleniceps
Hygrobiella laxifolia
Odontoschisma elongatum
Odontoschisma fluitans
Pleurocladula albescensThere seems to be disagreement on the proper genus name. PLANTS has Pleurocladula, ITIS has Pleuroclada.

Cephaloziellaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Cephaloziella divaricata
Cephaloziella rubella

Cleveaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Clevea hyalina
Sauteria alpina

Conocephalaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Conocephalum conicumScented LiverwortCommon, especially in the forested valley bottoms.

Geocalycaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Geocalyx graveolens

Gymnomitriaceae ( 11 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Gymnomitrion apiculatum
Gymnomitrion concinnatum
Gymnomitrion coralloides
Gymnomitrion obtusum
Gymnomitrion pacificum
Marsupella alpina
Marsupella emarginata
Marsupella sphacelata
Nardia compressa
Nardia geoscyphus
Nardia scalaris

Gyrothyraceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Gyrothyra underwoodiana

Haplomitriaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Haplomitrium hookeri

Harpanthaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Harpanthus flotovianus
Harpanthus scutatus

Herbertaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Herbertus aduncusCommon epiphyte, also found on the ground in peatlands. Worley shows records throughout much of the region. PacNW herbarium database shows collections primarily from the southern half.
Herbertus dicranusSeveral collections have been made in the Sitka area. Leaves are lobed 1/2 or less of the overall leaf length

Jubulaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Frullania californicaID notes from BFNA treatment:

Has dorsal lobe ocelli that are variable in their location. While the ocelli are generally few, they may also be scattered or form a short median line in some expressions. May sometimes have dorsal lobe apices that are sporadically acute or even sometimes acuminate. These specimens are otherwise identical to specimens with rounded apices.

Distinguishing from Frullania franciscana: Ocelli sometimes scattered on the dorsal lobe (cf.

Distinguishing from Frullania nisquallensis: ventral leaf margins plane or nearly so
Frullania chilcootiensis
Frullania franciscanaID notes from BFNA treatment:

has variable dorsal lobe apices that are usually rounded, but may sometimes be bluntly acute.

Distinguishing from Frullania californiana: ocelli arranged in a median line that is 1--2, sometimes 3 cells wide for F. franciscana, versus ocelli sometimes scattered on the dorsal lobe

Distinguishing from Frullania nisquallensis: In F. nisquallensis the ocelli are frequently absent, although they may be present in a few dorsal lobes as a short, broken line. The ventral leaf margins of F. franciscana usually have a blunt angulation on one or both sides at about the middle of the leaf.
Frullania nisquallensisSmall golden to dark brown leafy liverwort found on tree trunks and less often on rock surfaces. Plants have tiny gladiator-helmet shaped lobe on the lower surface of leaves.


ID notes from BFNA treatment: has ovate dorsal lobes with acute to acuminate, deflexed apices, and ocelli absent, scattered, or forming a partial or broken median line.

In F. nisquallensis, the ventral leaf margins are entire and reflexed at or above the sinuses. By comparison, both F. franciscana and F. californica have the ventral leaf margins plane or nearly so.

Jungermanniaceae ( 14 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Jungermannia atrovirens
Jungermannia exsertifolia
Jungermannia pumila
Jungermannia rubra
Jungermannia sphaerocarpa
Liochlaena lanceolata
Mesoptychia badensis
Mesoptychia bantriensis
Mesoptychia collaris
Mesoptychia gillmanii
Mesoptychia heterocolpos
Mylia anomala
Mylia taylorii
Rivulariella gemmiparaNot currently known from the region, but worth considering as an apparently rare species with only a handful of collections in total, including from California, Oregon, Washington, and the Aleutian Islands in Alaska.

Lepidoziaceae ( 9 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Bazzania ambigua
Bazzania denudata
Bazzania pearsonii
Bazzania tricrenata
Bazzania trilobata
Kurzia pauciflora
Lepidozia filamentosa
Lepidozia reptans
Lepidozia sandvicensis

Lophocoleaceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Chiloscyphus pallescens
Chiloscyphus polyanthosSee also Chiloscyphus pallescens - Worley's collections in PacNW are currently labeled as C. polyanthos, although (apparently) he did not include it in his treatment. C. polyanthos has collections records from Sitka.
Lophocolea bidentata
Lophocolea cuspidata
Lophocolea heterophylla

Lophoziaceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Lophozia guttulata
Lophozia ventricosa
Lophozia wenzelii
Lophoziopsis excisa
Trilophozia quinquedentata

Marchantiaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Marchantia polymorpha
Preissia quadrataSo far found in two very different locations near the Sitka road system. It grows under a small overhang on a cliff with a waterfall flowing over it, a very wet microhabitat. It has also been found at 4000 feet on Bear Mountain at the base of a rocky outcrop.

Metzgeriaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Apometzgeria pubescensA small epiphytic thallose liverwort with narrow round tipped lobes. The abundant hairs on both surfaces - visible with a hand lens or in good light - are a good diagnostic character.
Metzgeria conjugatarounded growing tips (Metzgeria temperata is pointed) straight hairs (Metzgeria leptoneura c-shaped/curled)
Metzgeria leptoneuraLocated at least once on Kruzof Island.

rounded growing tips (Metzgeria temperata is pointed);

curled hairs (Metzgeria conjugata is straight)
Metzgeria temperatapointed growing tips (Metzgeria leptoneura and Metzgeria conjugata) rounded

Pallaviciniaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Moerckia blyttii
Moerckia hibernica

Pelliaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Pellia endiviifolia
Pellia epiphyllaThe only collection from the region was apparently made in Sitka over 100 years ago.
Pellia neesianaRing PelliaMedium sized thallose liverwort with a somewhat greasy appearance.

Plagiochilaceae ( 6 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Plagiochila arcticaWorley indicates this species is not uncommon in the alpine across the northern part of the region. PacNW herbarium database shows a single collection in Southeast Alaska from Prince of Wales Island.
Plagiochila asplenioidesWorley indicates this species is found throughout the region. PacNW herbarium database currently treats this as a synonym of Plagiochila porelloides (October 2022). FNA note: Plagiochila asplenioides and P. porelloides were confused until recently, and almost all records of P. asplenioides may be P. porelloides. The range of P. asplenioides is currently uncertain and needs to be checked carefully. [1]
Plagiochila gracilisWorley indicates this species is known only from the outer islands. PacNW herbarium database shows no collections of this species from Southeast Alaska (only from the Aleutian Islands).

Worley used P. firma confusa - Plants of British Columbia: Scientific and Common Names of Vascular Plants, Bryophytes, and Lichens indicates this should be P. schoefieldiana

which FNA treatment includes as synonym of P. gracilis (but doesn't mention P. firma confusa)
Plagiochila porelloidesCollections in PacNW herbarium database from throughout the region Apparently not treated by Worley, but see note on Plagiochila asplenioides
Plagiochila satoiWorley indicates this species is found throughout the region. Collections in PacNW herbarium from southern part (as far north as Wrangell).
Plagiochila semidecurrensWorley indicates this species occurring primarily on the outer islands (though also a record near Ketchikan). PacNW herbarium database shows a handful of collections from the outer coast (two in Sitka, three from apparently the same location in the southern outer islands).

Pleuroziaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Pleurozia purpurea

Porellaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Porella cordaeana
Porella navicularis
Porella platyphylla
Porella roellii

Pseudolepicoleaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Blepharostoma trichophyllum

Ptilidaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Ptilidium californicumSeems to be common in the area.
Ptilidium ciliare
Ptilidium pulcherrimum

Radulaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Radula bolanderiThe leaves of R. bolanderi do not overlap, therefore the stem is visible. Radula lacks underleaves which distinguished this genus from Porella and Frullania.
Radula complanataRadula species lack underleaves which distinguished this genus from Porella and Frullania. The leaves of R. complanata overlap and obscure the underlying stem.
Radula obtusiloba

Scapaniaceae ( 25 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Diplophyllum albicansCommon leafy liverwort found on rocks and other vertical surfaces. Leaves have two lobes together resembling a mitten with a distinctive thumb. The lack of teeth on the leaf margins helps distinguish it from Scapania bolanderi
Diplophyllum obtusifolium
Diplophyllum taxifolium
Douinia ovata
Macrodiplophyllum flaccidum
Macrodiplophyllum imbricatum
Macrodiplophyllum plicatum
Macrodiplophyllum rubrum
Obtusifolium obtusum
Scapania americana
Scapania bolanderiOne of the more common leafy liverworts found on trunks of conifers, down logs and on mounded humus rich soil. The leaves have a smaller upper (surface) leaf lobe and a larger lower lobe, both with toothed margins.
Scapania curta
Scapania gymnostomophila
Scapania irrigua
Scapania mucronata
Scapania ornithopoidesPreviously found in Beaver Lake hills.
Scapania paludicola
Scapania paludosa
Scapania scandica
Scapania subalpina
Scapania uliginosa
Scapania umbrosa
Scapania undulata
Schistochilopsis incisa
Tritomaria polita

Solenostomataceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Solenostoma hyalinum
Solenostoma obovatum

Treubiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Apotreubia hortoniaeApparently present in the vicinity of Beaver Lake.


Mosses (Bryophyta)

Amblystegiaceae ( 11 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Amblystegium serpens
Amblystegium varium
Calliergonella cuspidata
Campylium polygamum
Hygrohypnum alpestre
Loeskypnum badium
Loeskypnum wickesiae
Palustriella commutata
Palustriella decipiens
Scorpidium scorpioides
Tomentypnum nitens

Andreaeaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Andreaea blyttii
Andreaea nivalis
Andreaea rothii
Andreaea rupestris

Aulacomniaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Aulacomnium androgynum
Aulacomnium palustre
Aulacomnium turgidum

Bartramiaceae ( 10 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Bartramia ithyphylla
Bartramia pomiformis
Bartramia subulataFNA indicates this species is only known from Colorado in North America
Conostomum tetragonum
Philonotis capillaris
Philonotis fontana
Philonotis marchica
Philonotis seriataFNA indicates this species only occurs in Greenland in North America
Philonotis yezoana
Plagiopus oederiana

Brachytheciaceae ( 20 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Brachythecium albicans
Brachythecium asperrimum
Brachythecium cirrosum
Brachythecium frigidum
Brachythecium oxycladonFNA says: The name Brachythecium oxycladum of American authors but not (Bridel) A. Jaeger has been applied to many specimens that are B. laetum. The range map for "B. laetum show it as not occurring along the west coast. iNaturalist has B. oxycladon synonymized with B. laetum.
Brachythecium plumosum
Brachythecium rivulare
Brachythecium salebrosum
Bryhnia hultenii
Eurhynchiastrum pulchellum
Homalothecium fulgescens
Homalothecium nevadenseFNA range map does not include Alaska
Homalothecium nuttallii
Kindbergia oreganum
Kindbergia praelonga
Sciuro-hypnum latifolium
Sciuro-hypnum reflexum
Sciuro-hypnum starkeiWestern North America is not included on the range map in FNA treatment
Scleropodium cespitansFNA range map does not include Southeast Alaska
Scleropodium obtusifolium

Bryaceae ( 16 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Anomobryum filiforme
Bryum argenteum
Bryum dichotomum
Haplodontium macrocarpum
Plagiobryum zierii
Ptychostomum arcticum
Ptychostomum capillare
Ptychostomum creberrimum
Ptychostomum imbricatulum
Ptychostomum inclinatum
Ptychostomum knowltonii
Ptychostomum pallens
Ptychostomum pallescens
Ptychostomum pseudotriquetrum
Ptychostomum turbinatum
Ptychostomum weigelii

Buxbaumiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Buxbaumia viridis

Campyliaceae ( 16 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Calliergon cordifoliumCollection with sporophytes from Lake Leo on Chichagof Island
Calliergon giganteum
Campylium halleri
Campylium stellatum
Drepanocladus aduncus
Hygrohypnum bestii
Hygrohypnum luridum
Hygrohypnum ochraceum
Hygrohypnum polare
Sanionia uncinataSickle Moss
Scorpidium revolvens
Straminergon stramineum
Warnstorfia exannulata
Warnstorfia fluitans
Warnstorfia pseudostraminea
Warnstorfia sarmentosa

Catoscopiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Catoscopium nigritum

Climaciaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Climacium dendroidesA tree-like moss found on wet lake shores and other marshy areas. Distinguished from other common tree like mosses by the robust habit, roundish leaves and habitat. The two other tree-like mosses; have either whitish stem leaves, Menzies' Tree Moss (Leucolepis acanthoneuron), or flat-topped finely branched upper stems Pleuroziopsis ruthenica

Cratoneuraceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Cratoneuron filicinum

Dicranaceae ( 37 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Aongstroemia longipes
Arctoa fulvella
Arctoa hyperborea
Campylopus atrovirens
Campylopus gracilis
Campylopus schimperi
Dichodontium pellucidum
Dicranella crispa
Dicranella heteromalla
Dicranella pacifica
Dicranella palustris
Dicranella rufescens
Dicranella schreberiana
Dicranella subulata
Dicranella varia
Dicranodontium asperulum
Dicranodontium denudatum
Dicranodontium uncinatum
Dicranum bonjeanii
Dicranum elongatum
Dicranum fragilifolium
Dicranum fuscescens
Dicranum howellii
Dicranum majus
Dicranum muhlenbeckii
Dicranum pallidisetum
Dicranum polysetum
Dicranum scoparium
Dicranum spadiceum
Dicranum tauricum
Dicranum undulatum
Kiaeria blyttii
Kiaeria falcata
Kiaeria glacialis
Kiaeria starkei
Paraleucobryum enerve
Rhabdoweisia crispata

Ditrichaceae ( 6 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Ceratodon purpureusCommon around Sitka.
Distichium capillaceum
Distichium inclinatum
Ditrichum ambiguum
Ditrichum flexicaule
Ditrichum heteromallum

Encalyptaceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Encalypta affinis
Encalypta ciliata
Encalypta procera
Encalypta rhaptocarpa
Encalypta vulgaris

Entodontaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Entodon concinnus

Fissidentaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Fissidens adianthoides
Fissidens bryoides
Fissidens grandifrons
Fissidens osmundioides

Fontinalaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Dichelyma falcatum
Fontinalis antipyretica
Fontinalis hypnoides

Funariaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Funaria hygrometrica

Grimmiaceae ( 33 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Bucklandiella affinisRecent segregate of Bucklandiella heterosticha
Bucklandiella brevipes
Bucklandiella heterosticha
Bucklandiella lawtoniae
Bucklandiella sudetica
Codriophorus acicularisGreen to blackish moss found on wet rocks and boulders near and in streams. The blunt tipped leaves with toothed upper margins and erect capsules help distinguish this moss from Scouleria aquatica, a species similar in appearance and habitat.
Codriophorus fascicularisHabitat of photo differs from that given by Worley. Consider also C. varius
Codriophorus mollis
Codriophorus ryszardii
Codriophorus varius
Coscinodon yukonensis
Grimmia anodonWidespread and common in western North American. Reported from Alaska, but so far not from Southeast. Per BFNA, found on exposed calcareous sandstone, limestone, and concrete.
Grimmia anomala
Grimmia attenuata
Grimmia donnianaSo far not found in Southeast Alaska. Could possibly occur and should be looked for on acidic granite and sandstone.
Grimmia leibergiiThe find at Red Bluff Bay was a significant extension of the known range. Favors dry acidic boulders.
Grimmia longirostrisNot known from Southeast Alaska. Favors exposed dry acidic granite and quartzite. Seems most likely to occur in the drier areas of the northern end of Southeast Alaska.
Grimmia mollisNot known from Alaska, but found in British Columbia. Favors wet acidic rocks in alpine habitats.
Grimmia muehlenbeckiiPrefers shaded acidic rock, often near lakes. Known from Washington. It's occurrence in Southeast would appear to be a significant extension of the known range in North America.
Grimmia ovalis
Grimmia ramondii
Grimmia sessitanaNot currently known from Southeast Alaska. Most likely to occur on moist acidic granite in the alpine.
Grimmia torquata
Grimmia trichophylla
Niphotrichum canescens
Niphotrichum elongatumPreviously lumped with N. canescens, some reports of that species may actually be this taxon. FNA notes this species is more southern in its distribution, though is known to occur as far north as Gilbert Island in Southeast Alaska. (However, it's not clear where Gilbert Island is - there is one in BC adjacent to the mainland east of Haida Gwaii.)
Niphotrichum ericoides
Racomitrium lanuginosum
Schistidium agassizii
Schistidium apocarpum
Schistidium frigidum
Schistidium maritimum
Schistidium strictum

Hedwigiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Hedwigia ciliata

Hookeriaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Hookeria acutifolia
Hookeria lucensGlossy light green plants with roundish leaves and overall flattened appearance. Leaves have very large cells which are easily visible with a hand lens or with very sharp eyes.

Hylocomiaceae ( 9 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Hylocomiastrum pyrenaicum
Hylocomiastrum umbratum
Hylocomium splendensStep MossProbably the most easily recognized moss species in our area. The stair step growth pattern of the feather-like plants is unmistakable. Most common in forested areas.
Pleurozium schreberiBig Red-stem Moss
Rhytidiadelphus loreus
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus
Rhytidiadelphus subpinnatus
Rhytidiadelphus triquetrusElectrified Cat's Tail
Rhytidiopsis robusta

Hypnaceae ( 23 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Buckiella undulataFairly common moss of coniferous forests. Grows on ground, decaying wood and occasionally as an epiphyte on the lowermost boles of trees
Herzogiella adscendens
Herzogiella striatella
Hypnum bambergeri
Hypnum callichroum
Hypnum circinaleAbundant as an epiphyte at low elevations. Found on both living trees and dead wood. Easy to observe along trails close to town.
Hypnum cupressiformeNearest report is from Kuiu Island.
Hypnum dieckii
Hypnum hamulosum
Hypnum lindbergii
Hypnum pallescens
Hypnum plicatulum
Hypnum pratense
Hypnum revolutum
Hypnum subimponens
Isopterygiopsis muelleriana
Isopterygiopsis pulchella
Orthothecium chryseum
Orthothecium strictum
Platydictya jungermannioides
Pseudotaxiphyllum elegansSmall Flat Moss
Ptilium crista-castrensisKnight's Plume Moss
Pylaisiella polyantha

Hypopterygiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Hypopterygium fauriei

Leskeaceae ( 12 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Claopodium bolanderi
Claopodium crispifoliumSeems to be reasonably common.
Claopodium pellucinerve
Claopodium whippleanum
Lescuraea saxicola
Pseudoleskea atricha
Pseudoleskea baileyi
Pseudoleskea incurvata
Pseudoleskea julacea
Pseudoleskea patens
Pseudoleskea radicosa
Pseudoleskea stenophylla

Leucodontaceae ( 2 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Antitrichia californica
Antitrichia curtipendula

Meesiaceae ( 6 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Amblyodon dealbatus
Leptobryum pyriformeReported from Kuiu and near Gustavus.
Meesia longiseta
Meesia triquetra
Meesia uliginosa
Paludella squarrosa

Mniaceae ( 29 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Leucolepis acanthoneuronMenzies' Tree Moss
Mnium blyttii
Mnium lycopodioidesFNA treatment distribution doesn't include Alaska and notes this species is difficult to distinguish from M. marginatum. The latter's range does include Alaska, but it was not included by Worley.
Mnium spinulosum
Mnium thomsonii
Plagiomnium cuspidatum
Plagiomnium ellipticum
Plagiomnium insigneBadge MossFairly common upright moss with oval leaves and toothed leaf margins. Frequently having multiple sporophytes with nodding capsules.
Plagiomnium medium
Plagiomnium rostratum
Pohlia andalusica
Pohlia annotina
Pohlia bulbifera
Pohlia columbica
Pohlia cruda
Pohlia drummondii
Pohlia elongata
Pohlia filum
Pohlia nutans
Pohlia proligera
Pohlia sphagnicola
Pohlia wahlenbergii
Pseudobryum cinclidioides
Rhizomnium andrewsianum
Rhizomnium glabrescensRoundish leaves, smooth leaf margins and somewhat sparse stem rhizoids distinguish this common moss. Found growing on the ground, rotten logs or on lower trunks in a variety of coniferous forests.
Rhizomnium magnifoliumStems have abundant brownish rhizoids.
Rhizomnium nudum
Rhizomnium pseudopunctatum
Trachycystis flagellaris

Neckeraceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Neckera douglasii
Neckera menziesii
Neckera pennata
Thamnobryum neckeroides

Oedipodiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Oedipodium griffithianum

Orthotrichaceae ( 20 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Lewinskya speciosaWorley's map shows collections from the northern mainland. From BFNA "The ribbed capsule, large size, and more slender leaf apices distinguish it."
Orthotrichum anomalumWorley reports this as primarily an interior species, with the only coastal record from Skagway.
Orthotrichum columbicumRecently (re)separated from Orthotrichum consimile (see paper linked below in references). Calyptra naked (separating from O. consimile) and exostome not reddish (separating from O. pulchellum)
Orthotrichum consimileRecent paper (see link below) indicates this species may occur in the region, but Orthotrichum columbicum is likely much more frequent. Hairy calyptra distinguishes this species from Orthotrichum columbicum
Orthotrichum cupulatumReported from limestone outrcrop on Kuiu Island. Has been considered rare in Alaska and BC, where it is primarily known from the interior (Worley notes)
Orthotrichum lyelliiCollections noted by Worley all from far northern mainland. Has been found on non-native landscaping trees in Sitka.
Orthotrichum obtusifoliumWorley reported as known only from Skagway.
Orthotrichum pulchellumScattered collected noted by Worley from across much of the region.

Separated from Orthotrichum consimile and Orthotrichum columbicum by reddish exostome.

From BFNA account: "Distinguished from all species of Ulota by the glabrous calyptra and immersed stomates, and from O. consimile by the 16, reddish exostome teeth that are papillose-reticulate with slender, high papillae, and by the stomates that are always located at or beyond the middle of the capsule. Also, O. pulchellum has plants that are rarely longer than 1 cm and the capsules are usually just barely exserted and oblong-cylindric."
Orthotrichum rupestreWorley reports this has been found at Lake Lindeman, BC - and has more of a continental distribution.
Ulota barclayiWorley shows collections span the region. BFNA indicates leaves should be much less twisty than other species in the area. Also leaves at base of sporophyte will be different than the rest of its leaves, and exostome teeth are reflexed.
Ulota crispaBFNA indicate this species is restricted to east of the Mississippi River in NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200001670

However, a 2016 publication Integrative taxonomy sheds light on an old problem: the Ulota crispa complex (Orthotrichaceae, Musci) has this species in western North America. The range map included shows Washington and southern BC, but it may be worth considering it as a possibility in this region

See also Ulota intermedia
Ulota curvifoliaWorley notes only reports are from Skagway and Lake Lindeman. Grows on rock (may be more likely to be found at higher elevations - if it occurs in the region beyond where it's been reported).
Ulota drummondiiWorley shows records from outer islands and near Juneau, and reports its generally on alder in this region. Capsule more football shaped should be distinct.
Ulota intermediaPart of the U. crispa complex which BFNA indicates is restricted to east of the Mississippi River in NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200001670 (though Worley reported it from Southeast Alaska - see Ulota crispa) However, a 2016 publication Integrative taxonomy sheds light on an old problem: the Ulota crispa complex (Orthotrichaceae, Musci) has this species in western North America. The range map included shows U. intermedia the only one in the complex currently known/expected from Southeast Alaska.
Ulota megalosporaA few collections were noted by Worley, who thought it probably occurred throughout the region. Creeping stems with erect branches should be distinct in this genus in the region (though consider Ulota reptans)
Ulota obtusiusculaCommon throughout the region. BFNA notes this species has consistently contorted and twisted leaves, even when wet.
Ulota phyllanthaCommon maritime species. Dark brown 'brood-bodies' at the end of leaves are usually present and distinctive for this species.
Ulota reptansBFNA doesn't indicate this species is currently known from NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=50&taxon_id=250062028
Zygodon reinwardtiiWorley reports an old record from southern tip of Prince of Wales Island as the only one in the region.
Zygodon viridissimusBFNA does not include Alaska in the range of this species, though Worley indicates a handful of records from as far north as Sitka (while noting it is increasingly rare at the northern end of its range).

Plagiotheciaceae ( 4 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Plagiothecium cavifolium
Plagiothecium denticulatum
Plagiothecium laetum
Plagiothecium piliferum

Pleuroziopsaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Pleuroziopsis ruthenica

Polytrichaceae ( 17 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Atrichum selwynii
Bartramiopsis lescurii
Meiotrichum lyallii
Oligotrichum aligerum
Oligotrichum hercynicum
Oligotrichum parallelum
Pogonatum contortumP. laterale not listed as a synonym for P. contortum in BFNA, but is listed as such on ITIS.
Pogonatum dentatum
Pogonatum urnigerum
Polytrichastrum alpinum
Polytrichastrum formosum
Polytrichastrum longisetum
Polytrichastrum sexangulare
Polytrichum commune
Polytrichum juniperinum
Polytrichum piliferum
Polytrichum strictum

Pottiaceae ( 22 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Aloina brevirostris
Anoectangium aestivumWorley's map and species account do not seem to be concordant. The map does match the UBC herbarium database for this species. Volume 27 of the Flora of North America describes the habitat of A. aestivum as calcareous or non calcareous rock, sandstone walls, rock ledges, exposed moist crevices and wet areas from 10-3300 m.
Barbula unguiculata
Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum
Crumia deciduidentata
Didymodon fallax
Didymodon ferrugineus
Didymodon giganteus
Didymodon nigrescens
Didymodon rigidulus
Didymodon vinealis
Gymnostomum aeruginosum
Hymenostylium recurvirostrum
Syntrichia norvegica
Syntrichia ruralis
Tortella fragilis
Tortella inclinata
Tortella tortuosa
Tortula hoppeana
Tortula mucronifolia
Trichostomum tenuirostre
Weissia controversa

Pterigynandraceae ( 7 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Heterocladium dimorphum
Heterocladium macounii
Heterocladium procurrens
Iwatsukiella leucotricha
Myurella julacea
Myurella sibirica
Pterigynandrum filiforme

Rhabdoweisiaceae ( 9 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Amphidium lapponicum
Amphidium mougeotii
Cynodontium jenneri
Cynodontium polycarponMay not be present in Southeast Alaska, as reports may end up as Cynodontium jenneri. See note in species description on BFNA.
Cynodontium schisti
Cynodontium tenellum
Dicranoweisia crispula
Oncophorus virens
Oncophorus wahlenbergii

Rhytidiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Rhytidium rugosum

Schistostegaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Schistostega pennataGoblin's Gold

Scouleriaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Scouleria aquatica

Seligeriaceae ( 5 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Blindia acuta
Brachydontium olympicum
Seligeria campylopoda
Seligeria donniana
Seligeria pusilla

Sematophyllaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Brotherella canadensis

Sphagnaceae ( 43 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Sphagnum alaskense
Sphagnum andersonianumAndrus indicates this species is probably not common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum angustifoliumAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum aongstroemiiAndrus indicates this species is in Southeast, though it's not clear how common. Rock ledges are a common habitat.
Sphagnum austiniiAndrus says this species is common on hummock tops in Southeast Alaska. Worley treated S. imbricatum, but according to the FNA entry on Sphagnum imbricatum, it is primarily an Asian species with a single collection from Northwestern Alaska. S. austinii seems like the most likely option for collections previously identified as S. imbricatum.
Sphagnum balticumAndrus indicates this species is uncommon in Southeast Alaska and probably not the same as the balticum in the arctic-subarctic.
Sphagnum bartlettianumAndrus describes the abundance as scatterred in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum brevifoliumAndrus indicates this species probably widespread but not common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum capillifolium
Sphagnum centraleBFNA indicates this species does not occur in Alaska. Possibly collections are in fact Sphagnum alaskense?
Sphagnum compactumAndrus says Fairly Common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum divinumFormerly S. magellanicum https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03736687.2018.1474424?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=yjbr20
Sphagnum fimbriatumAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum fuscum
Sphagnum girgensohnii
Sphagnum henryenseAndrus indicates there are only a couple of records of this species from Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum inexspectatumAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum inundatumAndrus indicates this species is not common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum lenenseAndrus indicates this species is rare in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum lindbergii
Sphagnum mendocinumAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum obtusumAndrus indicates this species is common near Yakutat.
Sphagnum pacificumAndrus indicates this species is very common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum palustreStatus of this species is unclear. Included in Worley as occuring in the Sitka area, but BFNA Account for Sphagnum palustre does not have it occuring in Alaska.
Sphagnum papillosum
Sphagnum platyphyllumNot in BFNA, recently described? Andrus indicates this species is not common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum pseudopapillosumApparently not in BFNA. Andrus says: "pseudopapillosum"- an as yet undescribed but common species. grows around bases of hummocks and in dense carpet patches in blanket mires. Looks rather like compactum. Common on Sitka.
Sphagnum quinquefarium
Sphagnum riparium
Sphagnum rubellum
Sphagnum rubiginosumAndrus indicates this species is common, especially in forests in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum russowiiAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum sitchenseType specimen was collected on Harbor Mountain
Sphagnum sjorsianumAndrus says this recently described species is uncommon and known from only Juneau and Ketchikan so far.
Sphagnum squarrosum
Sphagnum subfulvumAndrus indicates this species is scattered and rare in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum subnitensAndrus described the abundance as "Scattered"
Sphagnum subsecundumAndrus says: "per Jon Shaw, a different species separate from subsecundum in Eastern NA but call it this for now. maybe common"
Sphagnum tenellumAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.
Sphagnum teres
Sphagnum tongassenseAndrus indicates this is an undescribed species known from only one location in Juneau so far.
Sphagnum warnstorfiiAndrus indicates this species is common in Yakutat and has been collected in Juneau but is rare.
Sphagnum wilfiiAndrus indicates this species is common in Southeast Alaska.

Splachnaceae ( 6 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Splachnum sphaericum
Splachnum vasculosum
Tayloria lingulata
Tayloria serrata
Tetraplodon mnioides
Tetraplodon urceolatus

Takakiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Takakia lepidozioides

Tetraphidaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Tetraphis geniculata
Tetraphis pellucida
Tetrodontium brownianum

Thuidiaceae ( 3 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Abietinella abietina
Helodium blandowii
Thuidium philibertii

Timmiaceae ( 1 species)

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Timmia austriaca