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Bristly Haircap

Polytrichum piliferum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Bristly Haircap (Polytrichum piliferum)
Photo: HermannSchachner / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

1"–4" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 35 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleyNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Polytrichum piliferum is a small moss that forms tiny cushions or patches in the landscape. This hardy species stays green year-round and thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bristly Haircap takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Moss appearance conflicts with traditional lawn expectations
  • May be perceived as indicating poor lawn care
  • Could spread beyond intended areas

Wildlife value

This moss provides minimal direct wildlife value as it does not produce flowers or attract pollinators. It may offer microhabitat for very small invertebrates and help retain soil moisture.

Common questions

How much sun does Bristly Haircap need?
Bristly Haircap grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Bristly Haircap native?
Bristly Haircap (Polytrichum piliferum) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bristly Haircap HOA-friendly?
Bristly Haircap takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bristly Haircap? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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