Oncophorus wahlenbergii
mountain spur-moss, Wahlenberg's oncophorus moss
1–2.5 cm.
strongly crisped and curled when dry, ovate-lanceolate, abruptly subulate, entire or sometimes serrated above, 3–6 mm, subtubulose above, strongly sheathing at base, margins plane;
costa mostly percurrent;
laminal cells mostly 1-stratose, 2-stratose only at margins;
distal laminal quadrate to short-rectangular, incrassate;
basal laminal cells elongate, rectangular, incrassate, alar cells not differentiated.
(8–)10–15(–21) mm.
pale yellow-brown, furrowed when dry, 0.8–2 mm, peristome bright red.
14–20(–30) µm.
Oncophorus wahlenbergii
A common epixylic species, Oncophorus wahlenbergii may be confused with the more saxicolous O. virens, which has keeled, revolute, non-sheathing leaves that gradually narrow to the subula. A compact, densely tufted arctic-alpine form has been treated as var. compactus and is often found on dry soil.
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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