# Coiled-leaf claw-moss (*Hypnum circinale*)

Coiled-leaf claw-moss is a soft, green plant that loves to grow in damp places. It looks like tiny green fingers reaching out and can be found on rocks and trees in forests.

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Coiled-leaf claw-moss](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Hypnum_circinale.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Alison Northup, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hypnum_circinale.jpg)

## Appearance

The Coiled-leaf claw-moss has vibrant green, tightly curled leaves, giving it a distinctive 'claw' or hook-like appearance. It forms dense, low-growing mats with a slightly glossy sheen, making it visually distinct from many flatter mosses.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Bryophyta
- **Class:** Bryopsida
- **Order:** Hypnales
- **Family:** Pylaisiadelphaceae
- **Genus:** Trochophyllohypnum

## Interesting facts

- Coiled-leaf claw-moss can grow on bare rocks or dead logs, making its own little soil!
- If you zoom in, its tiny leaves look like miniature green roller coasters!
- Mosses are some of Earth's oldest plants, appearing over 400 million years ago!
- This moss uses tiny rhizoids to anchor, not true roots like other plants!

## Special abilities

- **Resurrection Power:** Coiled-leaf claw-moss can dry out completely and appear dead, only to rehydrate and become green again when water returns!
- **Spore Sprinkler:** Coiled-leaf claw-moss produces tiny spores that can float on the wind to new places, helping it spread and reproduce widely.
- **Water Sponge:** Coiled-leaf claw-moss forms dense cushions that absorb and hold onto lots of rainwater, keeping its habitat moist for longer.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 0.5-5 cm
- **Spread:** 5-30 cm
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** Red slug (*Arion rufus*) — Grazes on the moss as part of its diet.
- **Shelter:** Green springtail (*Isotoma viridis*) — Lives within moss mats for protection and moisture.
- **Depends on:** [Norway spruce](https://www.snappit.app/explore/norway-spruce) (*Picea abies*) — Thrives in the cool shade provided by its canopy.
- **Eaten by:** Flat-backed millipede (*Polydesmus complanatus*) — Millipedes graze on the moss and associated detritus.

## Traits

- [Nonvascular](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nonvascular): This trait characterizes plants lacking specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.
- [Shade Tolerant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/shade-tolerant): Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.

## Collections

- [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Don't eat any plants you find outside unless an adult says it's safe!

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Coiled-leaf claw-moss?

Compare growth form, branching, tiny leaves and any spore capsules. Mosses, liverworts and lichens can share a spot but are very different organisms. Moss Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Coiled-leaf claw-moss?

0.5-5 cm

### How wide does Coiled-leaf claw-moss spread?

5-30 cm

### Is Coiled-leaf claw-moss edible?

No

### Is Coiled-leaf claw-moss toxic?

None

### What is Coiled-leaf claw-moss's lifecycle?

Perennial

### Where is Coiled-leaf claw-moss usually found?

Forests

## Where to spot

- [Inland Lake Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/inland-lake-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Coiled-leaf claw-moss: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coiled-leaf-claw-moss)