PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Mountain Fir Moss (Huperzia appressa)

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Photo by Tom Gerstenberger

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Mountain Fir Moss (Huperzia appressa), a Wisconsin Special Concern plant, is found on exposed cliffs and talus slopes. The optimal identification period for this species is late-July through early-September.

Huperzia appalachiana

 
 
 

Mountain fir moss is a 6-10cm-tall fern ally that has spores that are 29-35 microns and borne in clusters in axils of sporophyll, which resemble other leaves. Its leaves are narrowly triangular, entire, and green to yellow-green. Leaves on the juvenile lower portion are longer (4-6mm) than the upper mature portion (2-3.5mm).

It can be distinguished from all other Huperzia species because its mature upper leaves are 2-3.5mm long, which is much shorter than any other Huperzia species in our region. Its entire leaves distinguish it from H lucidula, which has leaves that are toothed at the tip, and from H selago by its lack of annual growth constrictions and multiple psuedowhorls of bulblets produced throughout the mature portion (vs only 1 pseudowhorl).

Bulbets (gemmae), with bulbet bearing branchlets produced throughout the mature portion of the plant.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is late-July through early-September.

Associated species include Trisetum spicatum, Primula mistassinica, Fragaria virginiana, Solidago hispida, Agrostis scabra, Alnus incana ssp rugosa, and A viridis ssp crispa.

Mountain fir moss prefers dame, acidic soils and is found on exposed cliffs and talus slopes.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Avoid direct disturbance to sensitive microsites such as seeps, cliffs, and moss-covered boulders.

This species overwinters above ground, meaning that seasonal restrictions like conducting the a project on frozen ground will not result in avoidance. Therefore, known individual plant locations should be avoided year-round. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Follow BMPs, especially around streams and use care near ravines, steep slopes, cliffs, rock outcrops, etc.

Buffer management around unique microhabitats such as ephemeral ponds, seeps, etc.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.