Green Shield-moss

Green Shield-moss is a rare moss found sporadically across the Northern Hemisphere. Its gametophyte, the leafy moss body typical of most mosses, is not visible to the naked eye, and the only structure that can be seen and used to identify the species is its large, distinct sporophyte. It grows singly or in small groups on decaying wood, mostly in humid, sub alpine to alpine forests of Norway spruce, silver fir, or mixed stands. Because it is rare, conservation efforts are underway in most of the countries where it is found.