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Description
Dicranum Howellii, also known as Howell’s Dicranum, is a species of moss found in North America. It belongs to the Dicranaceae family, which is known for its feathery or fern-like appearance. This species is commonly found in moist forests, especially in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Bryophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsida |
| Order: | Dicranales |
| Family: | Dicranaceae |
| Genus: | Dicranum |
| Species: | Howellii |
Appearance
Dicranum Howellii has a feathery appearance, with thin, erect shoots that grow up to 2-3 cm tall. The leaves are lance-shaped and can be up to 5 mm in length. They are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem, and the tips of the leaves curve slightly inward. The color of the leaves can range from green to yellow-green, and they can become darker when exposed to sunlight.
Care Guide
Water: Dicranum Howellii prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Mosses do not require fertilization, as they obtain their nutrients from the environment. However, if you choose to fertilize, use a low-nitrogen fertilizer.Soil: Dicranum Howellii prefers acidic soil with a pH between 5.0-6.0. It can also grow in soil with a pH up to 7.0, but it may not thrive as well.Sunlight: This species prefers partial shade to full shade, and can tolerate some sunlight. However, too much direct sunlight can cause the moss to dry out and die.Hardiness Zones: Dicranum Howellii is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dicranum Howellii is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if it is consistently overwatered or grown in poorly-draining soil. It is important to take care not to overwater this species to prevent fungal infections.
Habitat
Dicranum Howellii is commonly found in moist forests, especially in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It can also be found in other regions of North America, such as the Great Lakes region and the Appalachian Mountains. This species prefers shaded areas with moist soil and can often be found growing on rocks, logs, and tree trunks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dicranum Howellii be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown indoors in a terrarium or other container with moist soil and partial shade.Q: Can Dicranum Howellii be used for landscaping?
A: Yes, it can be used for landscaping in shaded areas with moist soil.Q: How fast does Dicranum Howellii grow?
A: Dicranum Howellii is a slow-growing species, and it can take several years to reach full size.Q: Can Dicranum Howellii be propagated?
A: Yes, it can be propagated by dividing clumps of the moss and planting them in moist soil.
Related Plants
– Dicranum Scoparium- Dicranum Bonjeanii- Dicranum Fulvum- Dicranum Flagellare- Dicranum Undulatum
References
– “Dicranum Howellii.” Flora of North America, eFloras.org, www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250101429.- “Dicranum Howellii.” The Plant List, www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/tro-35110313.
