Habitat
Pleurozium schreberi prefers drier climates along the coast with acidic and poor soils. Other habitats include sterile litter, rock and cliff ledges, tree bases, and bogs.
Gametophyte
Overall Structure:
Pleurozium schreberi, commonly known as “red-stem” moss, has shoots that are pleurocarpous. Shoots form loose mats on the substratum, have a pinnate branching pattern, and have a red-tinged color.
Leaf Structure:
The leaves are broadly ovate and contain a short double costa.
Leaf tips are apiculate, meaning the point is short and abrupt. The margins of the tip are also curled over.
Stem:
The stem is red in color, contributing to the overall red-hue of the shoots.
Sporophyte
Sporophytes are dark red-brown when mature. Maturation commonly occurs in summer or autumn.
Sporangium:
The sporangium commonly has a ‘C’ shape. The peristome is composed of an exostome and endostome.