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Variable Forklet-Moss

Dicranella varia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Variable Forklet-Moss (Dicranella varia)
Photo: HermannSchachner / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Variable Forklet-Moss (Dicranella varia) 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

medium

Size

1"–3" H × 1"–2" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT 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 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 LowlandNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral Great PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Dicranella varia is a tiny moss species that forms small, delicate patches in shaded areas. This diminutive plant creates a soft, green carpet-like appearance in suitable conditions. As an annual moss, it may appear and disappear seasonally depending on moisture and environmental conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Variable Forklet-Moss 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.

  • Extremely small size makes it appear as lawn moss or weed
  • Unpredictable annual growth pattern
  • May look patchy or absent during dry periods

Wildlife value

This moss provides minimal direct wildlife value but can contribute to soil stability and moisture retention in garden ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Variable Forklet-Moss need?
Variable Forklet-Moss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Variable Forklet-Moss native?
Variable Forklet-Moss (Dicranella varia) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Variable Forklet-Moss HOA-friendly?
Variable Forklet-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 Variable Forklet-Moss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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