Bryum argenteum Silver-moss

An attractive little acrocarpous moss that forms silvery, grey-green cushions that are instantly recognisable. It is dioicous and sporophyte capsules are frequently formed from autumn onwards. It is essentially a colonist of open, disturbed habitats in urban situations such as pavements, walls and ruderal habitats. However it is also found in more natural habitats such as rocky ledges, sand dunes and river banks. It is a nitrophilous species and as such is indicative of sites that are receiving high inputs of nutrients from animal excretia or fertilisers. It is a very common moss throughout Britain except in upland or highland areas. This preference for lowland habitats is also reflected in its distribution in West Glamorgan.