Bank Haircap Moss
Polytrichum formosum
Also listed as Polytrichastrum formosum, Polytrichum attenuatum
Also known as Bank Haircap
Climate Match for your location
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A feathery, moss-forming groundcover that thrives in moist, shaded woodland environments. Bank Haircap Moss is excellent for erosion control on slopes and creates a soft, carpet-like texture in damp, acidic soils.
Why grow it
Bank Haircap Moss establishes more readily than many moss species in compacted or disturbed woodland soils, making it useful for stabilizing slopes where conventional erosion control plants struggle to root. Compared to other Polytrichum species, P. formosum tolerates slightly less consistently wet conditions while still preferring moisture, offering some flexibility in placement. It grows denser than many forest-floor mosses, creating more effective ground coverage for erosion suppression.
Watch out for
Moss establishment depends heavily on consistent moisture during initial colonization; extended dry periods can set back young mats even if the site receives adequate overall moisture. This species prefers acidic substrates, so limestone or alkaline soils may limit vigor or require soil amendment for reliable performance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polytrichaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe, North America
Native to: New York
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A feathery, moss-forming groundcover that thrives in moist, shaded woodland environments. Bank Haircap Moss is excellent for erosion control on slopes and creates a soft, carpet-like texture in damp, acidic soils.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bank Haircap Moss grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bank Haircap Moss establishes more readily than many moss species in compacted or disturbed woodland soils, making it useful for stabilizing slopes where conventional erosion control plants struggle to root. Compared to other Polytrichum species, P. formosum tolerates slightly less consistently wet conditions while still preferring moisture, offering some flexibility in placement. It grows denser than many forest-floor mosses, creating more effective ground coverage for erosion suppression.
Watch out for
Moss establishment depends heavily on consistent moisture during initial colonization; extended dry periods can set back young mats even if the site receives adequate overall moisture. This species prefers acidic substrates, so limestone or alkaline soils may limit vigor or require soil amendment for reliable performance.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polytrichaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe, North America
Native to: New York
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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