Broom Forkmoss
Dicranum scoparium
Also listed as Bryum scoparium, Cecalyphum scoparium
Also known as Broom Moss, Common Broom Moss, Windswept Broom Moss
Climate Match for your location
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Broom Forkmoss is a delicate, creeping moss that forms soft, feathery mats in shaded, moist environments. It is commonly used in terrariums, shade gardens, and moss lawns for its fine texture and evergreen appeal.
Why grow it
Dicranum scoparium offers finer, more delicate texture than many competing moss species, making it particularly valued for detailed terrarium work and shade gardens where visual refinement matters. It establishes readily in consistently moist, acidic substrates with good air circulation, performing reliably where many ornamental mosses struggle. Unlike some moss species, it tolerates moderate foot traffic once established, making it suitable for moss lawns in low-traffic areas.
Watch out for
This moss requires consistent moisture and will desiccate quickly in dry conditions or poor air circulation, so placement matters considerably. It performs poorly in alkaline soils or where lime-based amendments have been applied, limiting its use in some garden contexts. High-traffic areas and compacted substrates will inhibit establishment despite its moderate traffic tolerance once mature.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dicranaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, widespread in temperate regions
Native to: New Jersey, New York
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Broom Forkmoss is a delicate, creeping moss that forms soft, feathery mats in shaded, moist environments. It is commonly used in terrariums, shade gardens, and moss lawns for its fine texture and evergreen appeal.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Broom Forkmoss grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Dicranum scoparium offers finer, more delicate texture than many competing moss species, making it particularly valued for detailed terrarium work and shade gardens where visual refinement matters. It establishes readily in consistently moist, acidic substrates with good air circulation, performing reliably where many ornamental mosses struggle. Unlike some moss species, it tolerates moderate foot traffic once established, making it suitable for moss lawns in low-traffic areas.
Watch out for
This moss requires consistent moisture and will desiccate quickly in dry conditions or poor air circulation, so placement matters considerably. It performs poorly in alkaline soils or where lime-based amendments have been applied, limiting its use in some garden contexts. High-traffic areas and compacted substrates will inhibit establishment despite its moderate traffic tolerance once mature.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Dicranaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, widespread in temperate regions
Native to: New Jersey, 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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