It is mind boggling, the number of species of mosses in North America. A list put together in 2025 tells me that there are 1,590 species.

This is a close look at one of them, Broom Forkmoss (Dicranum scoparium), found in North America from the Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Mountains. An identifying characteristic is the way its leaves strongly curve to one side.

Another identifying feature is Broom Forkmoss often grows in round mats or clumps.

This moss along with other mosses, liverworts, and hornworts are called bryophytes. They are all small plants that have no true roots, but rather have rhizoids which are rootlike structures. These rhizoids help with hydration and assists in anchoring the plant to the ground.

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