Coastal BC Plants: Glossy Red Bryum Moss

Glossy Red Bryum Moss

Up on the granite cliff at our cabin are large mats of Glossy Red Bryum Moss (Byrum miniatum). Early in the season it is green. Through late summer and fall it displays its glossy dark red coloration.

It grows near the coast at low elevations on rocky outcroppings, especially those with surfaces that get wet on occasion or exhibit seeps of moisture. It is found less frequently in the high mountains or interior.

It reproduces with saprophytes that rise on tall thin stalks. They start out light green in colour, but also turn a deep red when mature.

Glossy Red Bryum Moss is native to British Columbia. I like it in my natural cliffside garden because it provides a distinctive colour variation to the other green mosses and lichens. -- Margy

Reference: E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia (online).