Comments: This is a very attractive moss that forms dense cushions of plants of variable size. Large cushions of plants, in particular, have an impressive and somewhat exotic appearance. Pincushion Moss (Leucobryum glaucum) is the most common species of its genus in Illinois. It can be confused with another species, White Moss (Leucobryum albidum), which has a similar appearance. This latter moss can be distinguished by the smaller size of its colonies (typically 2" across or less) and the smaller size of its leaves (typically 3-5 mm. long). The broad bases of its leaves extend to about one-half of their length, while the broad bases of the leaves of Pincushion Moss extend to be what one-third of their length. The leaves of White Moss are less thick (typically 3 cells deep) than those of Pincushion Moss (4-6 cells deep), making the latter moss more resistant to dessication.
