Orthotrichum affine. The presence of this moss is an indicator of relatively good air quality.Jan. 26, 2013, Millcreek Canyon, approx. 5,920 ft., growing on a tall deciduous tree, mainly on the north side, at about six feet from the ground.With respect to the moss, capsules and peristome teeth are visible (has 8 teeth). The leaves of the gametophtye have a common spiral arrangement, and appear to be mostly erect and only arranged in only a few spirals, and have recurved margins with acute tips . Capsules are furrowed (that can be see in connection with at least one of the capsules depicted here) and emergent to shortly exserted. There are at least three species of lichens.
The moss (center/right) is Orthotrichum affine, the most common tree-inhabiting species in this area. Grows on a variety of deciduous trees including Narrow-leaf Cottonwood, Birch, Bigtooth Maple and Box Elder.The healthy presence of this moss (and of no doubt several of the lichen species here as well) is an indicator of relatively good air quality.Jan. 26, 2013, Millcreek Canyon, approx. 5,920 ft., tall deciduous tree, the moss mainly on the north side, at about six feet from the ground.
