Howell’s Dicranum Moss: A Pacific Northwest Native Worth Knowing
If you’ve ever wandered through the misty forests of the Pacific Northwest and noticed those gorgeous, feathery carpets of green covering fallen logs and forest floors, chances are you’ve encountered Howell’s dicranum moss (Dicranum howellii). This charming little bryophyte might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it plays a surprisingly important role in creating that magical woodland atmosphere we all love.
What Exactly Is Howell’s Dicranum Moss?
Howell’s dicranum moss is a native North American bryophyte – that’s the fancy scientific term for the group that includes mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Unlike the flowering plants we’re used to thinking about, mosses are some of nature’s most ancient green plants, and they’ve been perfecting their craft for millions of years.
This particular moss is a terrestrial species, meaning it grows on land rather than in water. You’ll typically find it happily attached to solid surfaces like rocks, fallen logs, tree bark, or sometimes directly on the soil. It’s completely herbaceous (no woody parts here!) and forms those lovely, dense cushions that make forest floors look like nature’s own green carpet.
Where Does It Call Home?
As a true Pacific Northwest native, Howell’s dicranum moss has made itself at home primarily in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. It’s perfectly adapted to the region’s cool, moist climate and thrives in the dappled light of coniferous and mixed forests.
Spotting Howell’s Dicranum Moss in the Wild
Identifying this moss is actually pretty fun once you know what to look for. Here are the key features that make Howell’s dicranum moss stand out:
- Distinctive leaf shape: The leaves are curved and sickle-shaped, giving the whole plant a feathery, almost windswept appearance
- Color: Ranges from bright green to darker green, depending on growing conditions and age
- Growth pattern: Forms dense, cushion-like tufts or mats
- Size: Individual plants are small, but colonies can spread to cover substantial areas
- Habitat: Look for it in shaded, moist areas on logs, rocks, tree bases, and forest floors
Is It Beneficial for Your Garden?
Absolutely! While Howell’s dicranum moss might not produce showy flowers or attract butterflies, it brings several wonderful benefits to garden ecosystems:
- Natural ground cover: Creates beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover in shaded areas where grass struggles
- Moisture retention: Acts like a natural sponge, helping to retain moisture in the soil and creating humid microclimates
- Erosion control: Helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and around tree bases
- Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and nesting material for small insects and other tiny woodland creatures
- Air purification: Like all mosses, it helps filter air and can indicate good air quality
- Aesthetic appeal: Adds that authentic Pacific Northwest woodland feel to shade gardens and naturalized landscapes
Creating Moss-Friendly Conditions
While you can’t exactly plant moss the way you would a perennial, you can definitely encourage Howell’s dicranum moss to establish in your garden by creating the right conditions:
- Shade is key: This moss prefers filtered light or full shade – direct sunlight is its enemy
- Keep it moist: Consistent moisture (but not waterlogged conditions) is essential
- Provide surfaces: Leave some logs, rocks, or rough bark surfaces where the moss can attach
- Avoid chemicals: Skip fertilizers and pesticides in moss areas – they’re sensitive to chemical changes
- Be patient: Moss establishment takes time, sometimes several seasons
The Bottom Line
Howell’s dicranum moss might not be the star of your garden show, but it’s definitely a valuable supporting actor. If you’re creating a Pacific Northwest woodland garden, shade garden, or just want to add some authentic forest floor magic to your landscape, encouraging this native moss is a wonderful choice. It’s low-maintenance, environmentally beneficial, and adds that special touch that makes a garden feel connected to the wild spaces we love.
Remember, the best way to encourage native mosses is to create the right habitat rather than trying to transplant them. With the right conditions, Howell’s dicranum moss just might find its way to your garden naturally – and that’s when you know you’ve created something special.
