Tree Apron Moss, Common Tree Skirt Moss, Anomodon Moss, Poodle Moss

Tree Apron Moss, Common Tree Skirt Moss, Anomodon Moss, Poodle Moss Anomodon attenuatus Light to medium shade; medium to moderately dry moisture level; will grow on ordinary soil, rocks with pockets of organic debris or tree bark; acidic pH.  .5 to 1 inch height. Native Region:  Listed by the Tennessee Herbarium as native to Tennessee with no listing by county Description:  It forms large, sprawling, green mats on the base of trees, where it is most commonly found.  It cannot tolerate much competition from taller plants due to its low growth habit.  When leaves are moist, they spread out from the stems at a 45 degree angle and are shiny.  When dry, they are more erect, lining up with the stems.  Foliage is often used for nest construction by birds.  Since it rarely produces spore-bearing capsules, this may be its method of spreading from one tree to another.

Photo courtesy of Ohio Moss and Lichen Association https://ohiomosslichen.org Photo courtesy of David G. Smith http://www.delawarewildflowers.org Photo courtesy of Illinois Wildflowers https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info