Open Grasslands: Bryophytes and Lichens

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Biological crust

This thin crust of lichens, mosses,   liverworts, fungi and algae covers the soils between bunchgrasses at lower elevations helping to keep soil cool, retain moisture in the soil and keep out weeds.

This moss grows in short white tufts between the forbs and shrubs on the clay-rich soils of our grasslands. It can survive long periods without water and is often found where morning dew persists for longer periods of time.

Common lawn moss

This is a pale yellowish creeping moss with irregularly branched shoots. Leaves are about 1 mm long, sharply pointed, pleated and pressed close to the stem when dry. Common lawn moss exhibits a few fruiting capsules on smooth red-brown stalks. It is found in shady, dry sites.

Sockeye psora lichen

Common in undisturbed grasslands, this lichen has tiny salmon pink lobes fringed with white. The undersides of the lobes are white and cottony.

Want to find out about species at risk in open grasslands?
Go to Species at Risk

Here are some more representative species in open grasslands:

Bryophytes:
Sidewalk Moss
Lichens:
Pixe-cup

Photos:
Paul Sanborn (Cryptogamic Crust)

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