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Glittering Wood-moss

Hylocomium splendens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Glittering Wood-moss (Hylocomium splendens)
Photo: (c) Scott Morris, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Scott Morris

Toxicity unknown

Glittering Wood-moss (Hylocomium splendens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

2"–8" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CA, CO, CT and 32 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesNorthwestern Great PlainsPiedmontNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Hylocomium splendens is actually a moss, not a fern, that forms neat tiered layers resembling tiny staircases. This evergreen moss creates dense, carpet-like mats in shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Moss appearance may be viewed as sign of poor lawn maintenance
  • Requires consistently moist conditions that may conflict with typical landscaping
  • Very uncommon in residential settings

Wildlife value

This moss provides important habitat and nesting material for small insects and microorganisms. It does not attract pollinators as it reproduces through spores rather than flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Glittering Wood-moss need?
Glittering Wood-moss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Glittering Wood-moss native?
Glittering Wood-moss (Hylocomium splendens) is native to AL, CA, CO, CT and 32 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Glittering Wood-moss HOA-friendly?
Glittering Wood-moss 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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