About Plagiomnium insigne (Mitt.) T.J.Kop.
Plagiomnium insigne (Mitt.) T.J.Kop., commonly called badge moss, is a large, showy moss that typically grows 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) high. When moist, it bears wide-spreading, glistening leaves that become shrivelled and dull when dry. Fertile plants of this species are unisexual. Male plants can be distinguished by their conspicuously flattened heads. Sterile stems are arched, similar to strawberry stems. It is the largest mnium, and can be told apart from magnificent leafy moss (Plagiomnium venustum) by its unisexual plants, leaf edges that extend down stems for a noticeable length, and 3–6 stalked capsules per plant. Plagiomnium insigne is found only in western North America. Its range stretches from south-eastern Alaska in the north to central California in the south, and reaches east as far as western Montana. In Canada, it occurs in Alberta and British Columbia; in the United States, it can be found in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. It grows from sea level to the subalpine zone, and typically grows in shaded areas on humus, soil, or rotten logs. It occurs in forests (particularly redwood forests), swampy areas, and urban areas such as lawns.
