Orthotrichum patens
Local name: ägghättemossa
Orthotrichum patens is a small acrocarpous moss species that forms dense, cushion-like tufts on tree bark and occasionally rock surfaces. The moss displays characteristic curved, ribbed capsules when fertile and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that often curl when dry, giving colonies a distinctive twisted appearance that aids in moisture retention.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) martina_poeltl, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by martina_poeltl
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Orthotrichales
Family
Orthotrichaceae
Genus
Orthotrichum
Orthotrichum patens belongs to the family Orthotrichaceae, order Orthotrichales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Orthotrichum patens is a small acrocarpous moss species that forms dense, cushion-like tufts on tree bark and occasionally rock surfaces. The moss displays characteristic curved, ribbed capsules when fertile and has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that often curl when dry, giving colonies a distinctive twisted appearance that aids in moisture retention.
Orthotrichum patens faces significant threats from air pollution and habitat degradation, as this epiphytic moss is highly sensitive to changes in air quality and substrate availability. Urban development and industrial activities have reduced suitable habitat and increased atmospheric pollutants that directly impact moss survival and reproduction.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This epiphytic moss grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly in urban parks, roadside trees, and scattered woodland areas. It typically colonizes smooth-barked trees in semi-open environments with moderate light exposure.
Threats
Air pollution and atmospheric contamination
Habitat loss from urbanization
Changes in substrate quality on host trees
Climate change affecting moisture regimes
Tree removal and forest fragmentation
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (VU).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | VUVulnerable | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Orthotrichum patens (Orthotrichum patens). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/agghattemossa