This spectacular west-coast endemic moss is common on tree trunks in mesic areas in California's North Coast Ranges and elsewhere. The capsules are formed in spring on the underside of the shoots.
Large clumps of the aquatic moss Fontinalis hypnoides were attached to tree roots at the edge of Clear Lake, and partially emergent from the water. They were muddy and hard to photograph in the field, but I floated this piece in a bowl at home and obtained images.
A close view of this aquatic moss shows late winter leaves that are somewhat damaged and stripped, but the soft texture and complete absence of a keel can be seen. This distinguishes F. hypnoides from other Californian Fontinalis species. This specimen was photographed in a bowl of water at home.
