Red-stemmed Feather Moss
Pleurozium schreberi
Also listed as Calliergonella schreberi, Calliergon schreberi
Also known as Schreber's Big Red Stem Moss
Climate Match for your location
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A evergreen moss with distinctive reddish stems that forms dense mats in shaded forest floors and woodland areas. It prefers cool, moist conditions and is commonly used in shade gardens and terrariums.
Why grow it
Red-stemmed feather moss establishes reliable ground cover in deeply shaded areas where vascular plants struggle, and its dense mat structure helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Unlike some moss species, it tolerates cooler climates well and integrates readily into woodland gardens or shade structures without requiring active management once established. It offers a lower-maintenance alternative to moss species that demand more precise humidity control.
Watch out for
This moss requires consistent moisture but not waterlogging, so drainage and air circulation matter despite its shade preference. It may thin or shift if the soil compacts significantly or if shading changes dramatically, requiring occasional tending in high-traffic areas or where light conditions shift seasonally.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hylocomiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Europe
Native to: New Jersey
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A evergreen moss with distinctive reddish stems that forms dense mats in shaded forest floors and woodland areas. It prefers cool, moist conditions and is commonly used in shade gardens and terrariums.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red-stemmed Feather Moss grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red-stemmed feather moss establishes reliable ground cover in deeply shaded areas where vascular plants struggle, and its dense mat structure helps retain moisture and suppress weed growth. Unlike some moss species, it tolerates cooler climates well and integrates readily into woodland gardens or shade structures without requiring active management once established. It offers a lower-maintenance alternative to moss species that demand more precise humidity control.
Watch out for
This moss requires consistent moisture but not waterlogging, so drainage and air circulation matter despite its shade preference. It may thin or shift if the soil compacts significantly or if shading changes dramatically, requiring occasional tending in high-traffic areas or where light conditions shift seasonally.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Hylocomiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Northern Hemisphere, including North America and Europe
Native to: New Jersey
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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