Cushion Moss, White Moss, Pincushion Moss

Cushion Moss, White Moss, Pincushion Moss Leucobryum albidum Part to medium shade; moderately wet to moderately dry moisture level; will grow on most any surface or soil as long as it is moist; acidic pH.  .75 to 3.5 inches height.  Preferred setting is moist humus, sandy soil, rotting logs, tree bases, hardwood trees, pines and palms, forests, bogs and swamps. Native Region:  Listed by the Tennessee Herbarium as native to Tennessee with no listing by county Description:  This moss forms low, compact cushions in a variety of locations ranging from rich soil to barren sandy places and is equally common in each of these settings.  Cushions are usually no more than 4 inches in diameter and usually less than 1/3 inch tall.  The mounds are deep to light green depending on their moisture content and can be whitish or grayish when water reserves are very low.  This wide range of color is the species’ most distinguishing characteristic. It can tolerate drier conditions than most mosses and can be long lived under favorable conditions.

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