Oregon spikemoss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oregon spikemoss |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
Selaginella oregana, also known as Oregon spikemoss, is a unique plant found along the Pacific Coast of North America. It's a type of spikemoss, which are ancient plants related to ferns. This interesting plant often grows in cool, shady forests near the coast.
Oregon spikemoss is special because it often grows on other plants, like trees, instead of in the soil. It can also be found growing on rocks or the ground, forming soft, green carpets.
Contents
Where It Lives
Oregon spikemoss is native to the western part of North America. You can find it from British Columbia in Canada all the way down to northern California in the United States. It loves places with lots of moisture and shade.
Its Favorite Homes
This spikemoss usually lives in damp, shady coastal forests. It often attaches itself to tree branches. Its stems hang down like long, green streamers. Some of its favorite trees to grow on include:
- Bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum)
- Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa)
- Red alder (Alnus rubra)
Besides trees, it can also spread out on the forest floor or over rocks. It forms thick, mat-like coverings in these spots.
What It Looks Like
Oregon spikemoss has long stems that can either creep along the ground or hang down from branches. These stems can grow up to about 60 centimeters (about 2 feet) long. They often have branches that split into two, like a fork.
Stems and Leaves
The stems of the Oregon spikemoss are interesting because they curl up when they get dry. This helps the plant survive during drier times. The stems look the same from all sides, which scientists call "radially symmetric."
Tiny leaves grow in spirals along the stems. Each leaf is shaped like a spear and is very small, only about 2 or 3 millimeters long. At the very tip of each leaf, there's a tiny, stiff bristle.
Reproduction
Like many plants, Oregon spikemoss has special structures for reproduction. These structures are called strobili. They look a bit like small cones.
Spore Cones
The strobili contain the parts of the plant that help it make new spikemoss plants. These "spore cones" can grow up to 6 centimeters long. You can often find them growing in pairs on the plant.
