Sticky Dicranella Moss: A Critically Rare Native Worth Protecting
Meet one of North America’s most elusive botanical treasures: the sticky dicranella moss (Dicranella stickinensis). This tiny green wonder might not grab headlines like flashy wildflowers, but for those in the know, it represents something truly special in the world of native plants.
What Exactly Is Sticky Dicranella Moss?
Sticky dicranella moss belongs to that fascinating group of plants that most people walk right past without noticing. As a moss, it’s what botanists call a bryophyte – a primitive, non-flowering plant that’s been quietly doing its thing on Earth for millions of years. Unlike the towering trees or showy perennials we typically think about for our gardens, this little moss is herbaceous and tends to attach itself to solid surfaces like rocks, tree bark, or decaying wood rather than growing directly in soil.
Think of it as nature’s living carpet – small, green, and perfectly content to create tiny ecosystems in places where other plants simply can’t survive.
Where Does It Call Home?
This moss is a true North American native, though pinpointing exactly where you might stumble across it is tricky business. The geographical distribution of sticky dicranella moss remains largely undocumented, which brings us to an important point about this species.
A Conservation Concern
Here’s where things get serious: sticky dicranella moss carries a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. In plain English? This moss is hanging on by a thread. With typically five or fewer known occurrences and very few remaining individuals (we’re talking less than 1,000), this species is extremely vulnerable to disappearing entirely.
What makes it so rare? Extreme rarity combined with factors that make it especially vulnerable to extinction. This isn’t a plant you’ll find at your local nursery, nor should you expect to.
Is It Beneficial in Gardens?
While most mosses can play valuable roles in garden ecosystems – preventing soil erosion, retaining moisture, and providing habitat for tiny creatures – the sticky dicranella moss presents a unique situation. Given its critically imperiled status, this isn’t a species that belongs in cultivation.
Instead of trying to grow this rare moss, gardeners can support moss conservation by:
- Creating moss-friendly environments for more common native moss species
- Avoiding pesticides and chemicals that harm bryophytes
- Maintaining humid, shaded areas where mosses naturally thrive
- Supporting conservation organizations working to protect rare plant habitats
How to Identify Sticky Dicranella Moss
Identifying this particular moss species requires expert knowledge, as many moss species look remarkably similar to the untrained eye. If you suspect you’ve encountered sticky dicranella moss in the wild, the best course of action is to:
- Document the location with photos (without disturbing the moss)
- Note the substrate it’s growing on
- Contact local botanists or conservation groups
- Report the sighting to relevant botanical databases
Remember, with so few occurrences known, every potential sighting could be scientifically significant.
The Bottom Line for Gardeners
Sticky dicranella moss serves as a reminder that not every native plant is meant for our garden beds – and that’s okay. Sometimes the best way we can support a species is by protecting its wild habitat and raising awareness about its plight.
If you’re interested in incorporating mosses into your landscape, focus on more common native moss species that can thrive in cultivation without conservation concerns. Your local extension office or native plant society can recommend appropriate alternatives that will give you that lush, green moss aesthetic while supporting local ecosystems.
As for our critically imperiled sticky dicranella moss? Its greatest value lies in remaining wild and free, a tiny but important thread in North America’s rich tapestry of biodiversity.
