Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship
partners in conservation, restoration and care of important wildlife habitat
Columbia Carpet Moss
Bryoerythrophyllum columbianum
Status
Special Concern (Federal)
Blue List (Provincial)
Description
Columbian Carpet Moss grows in small clumps with stems that branch at the base and grow 2 to 6 mm tall. The leaves are about 1 mm long and are stiff and sharply pointed. They are usually dark reddish brown when dry and reddish or green when wet.
Habitat
The Columbian Carpet Moss is found in grasslands characterized by hot, dry summers and cool to cold, moderately wet winters. Most populations in Canada are concentrated in the south Okanagan Valley where they grow on compact silty to sandy soils.
Threats
-Habitat loss due to agricultural development and urbanization
-Habitat disturbance by livestock
-Road construction
-Erosion
-Invasive plants
You Can Help!
-Learn more about this plant and its biology
-Avoid trampling or driving over the plant and the surrounding environment
-Reduce livestock grazing
-Control and/or remove invasive plants and reduce soil disturbance to prevent invasive plants from establishing