Willow Moss
Other Common Names: water moss, mini willow moss, mini weeping moss
(Fontinalis antipyretica)
Non-Native
Willow moss and mini willow moss have branched stems and sword shaped dark green leaves that grow from three sides of the stems.
Description
Branched stems are long and slender, reaching lengths up to two feet.
Dark green leaves grow one-tenth to one-fourth of an inch long, are folded inward, and have tiny fronds. Leaves are three ranked, meaning they grow from three sides of the stem.
Male and female reproductive organs grow on separate plants.
Willow moss grows in fast moving waters such as rivers and streams, and it can sometimes grow in still waters on rocks or wood. When growing in still waters, willow moss creeps down the edges of whatever it is growing on, giving the name of weeping moss.
It is a cold water species but can live in tropical conditions. Willow moss does not die back in winter and does not require much light or oxygen to grow. It is a relatively slow growing plant.
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control willow moss.
Location
Willow moss does not typically grow in the United States, but could be found anywhere because it has been used as an ornamental plant for contained water gardens.
Propagation
fragments, stolons
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control willow moss.