Grimmia pulvinata (Hedw.) Sm.

Species Nomenclature and Growth Form

Grimmia pulvinata (Hedw.) Sm. is a moss that grows in a small, cushion-like shape, reaching around 1–2 centimeters in height.

Coloration

Its color ranges from grey-green to orange-yellow.

Leaf Shape

Its leaves are lanceolate: broad and oval-shaped at the base, and very narrow toward the tip.

Leaf Hue Variation

Some specimens have leaves with a silvery hue near the tip.

Capsule Morphology and Response to Moisture

The species produces oval-shaped capsules, which bend back into the leaves when the plant is dry and stand out when the plant is moist.

Colonized Surfaces

Grimmia pulvinata colonizes a variety of surfaces, including rocks, concrete, and tree trunks.

Substrate Preference and pH Tolerance

It tolerates a wide range of surface pH levels, which lets it grow on many types of rock, though it prefers growing on surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks.

Genus Abundance and Global Distribution

It is the most common species in the genus Grimmia, with a nearly worldwide distribution.

Regional Commonness

It is particularly common in Britain and on the west coast of North America.

Climate and Elevation Range

It grows primarily in temperate regions, from sea level up to elevations of 9800 feet.