Lepidozia reptans
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
This very common species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
It can be seen across Cumbria, and is often one of the most common species in humid woodland.
It can be seen across Cumbria, and is often one of the most common species in humid woodland.
Bazzania trilobata
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
This beautiful liverwort is common in the Lake District woodlands. I've described it in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Cephalozia curvifolia (syn. Nowellia curvifolia)
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
This common species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
In Cumbria, this is a classic liverwort of rotting logs in oceanic woodland, and is often abundant and conspicuous.
Stanley Ghyll SSSI, Lake District
In Cumbria, this is a classic liverwort of rotting logs in oceanic woodland, and is often abundant and conspicuous.
Stanley Ghyll SSSI, Lake District
Odontoschisma sphagni
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
Often, this is the most conspicuous liverwort of bogs and mires, where its creeping stems snake across Sphagnum hummocks (hence its name) or form patches in amongst the surrounding vegetation.
O.sphagni is widespread in northern England, Wales and Scotland and is unlikely to be confused with other species in its typical habitat, as other bog hepatics tend to be much smaller.
O.sphagni is widespread in northern England, Wales and Scotland and is unlikely to be confused with other species in its typical habitat, as other bog hepatics tend to be much smaller.
Odontoschisma denudatum
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
O.denudatum is rather rare in Cumbria, although it is locally common on the Solway Firth mires, where the photo here was taken. At these sites, it grows on peaty soil, although elsewhere in Britain it also grows on rotting logs.
The species is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Anthelia julacea
below Piers Gill, Lake District
In northern England, Anthelia julacea is restricted to the Lake District and Ingleborough, where it can be common in its typical habitat of cold, permanently wet sites.
I've described the species in more detail in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers section of the site.
I've described the species in more detail in the Liverworts of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Barbilophozia atlantica (probably)
Glencoyne Wood, Lake District
The presence of gemmae makes it likely that this plamt is B. atlantica, but B. hatcheri is also a possibility.
B. atlantica is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
B. atlantica is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Lophozia ventricosa
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
Britain's commonest Lophozia is a typical speces of wet, acidic, sheltered sites and is a frequent species on rotting wood. It usually easy to identify, as the leaves have conspicuous pale green gemmae at their tips.
Lophozia longidens
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This rare species is especially uncommon in northern England, where it is has been recorded from just two sites since 1950, one of them at Cronkley Fell. It is much more widespread in Scotland.
Unlike most Lophozias, it is usually an epiphyte, growing in fairly open woodland, often on juniper or birches, although it can be found on woodland boulders as well.
In the field, its habitat, distinctive red gemmae (only slightly visible in this terrible photo!) and deeply-divided leaves make identification relatively easy - no other similar species occur on bark. Atypcial forms on rock can be much harder to identify and need characters such as gemmae measurement under a microscope.
Unlike most Lophozias, it is usually an epiphyte, growing in fairly open woodland, often on juniper or birches, although it can be found on woodland boulders as well.
In the field, its habitat, distinctive red gemmae (only slightly visible in this terrible photo!) and deeply-divided leaves make identification relatively easy - no other similar species occur on bark. Atypcial forms on rock can be much harder to identify and need characters such as gemmae measurement under a microscope.
Eremonotus myriocarpus
large cushion in habitat, Honister Crags SSSI, Lake District
Eremonotus is a classic liverwort of base-rich, flushed mountain rocks, such as rock ledges or alongside streams. The plants shown here form swollen, dark cushions around a splash pool for a small waterfall on the crags at Honister, a valley with a strongly oceanic character. The discovery of this population represented the first find of the species in England since the 1960s. Several sites are known historically from the area.
Eremonotus is a small liverwort and is easy to overlook unless growing as shown here. Individual stems are very small, resembling a small, alpine Marsupella species and it is not a species that can be confirmed in the field with ease - microscopical confimation of the cell oil-bodies is the key character and must be checked on living material (i.e. material collected must be kept damp until checked). Eremonotus has no oil-bodies, whereas the Marsupella has between 3 and 6.
Eremonotus is a small liverwort and is easy to overlook unless growing as shown here. Individual stems are very small, resembling a small, alpine Marsupella species and it is not a species that can be confirmed in the field with ease - microscopical confimation of the cell oil-bodies is the key character and must be checked on living material (i.e. material collected must be kept damp until checked). Eremonotus has no oil-bodies, whereas the Marsupella has between 3 and 6.
Mylia taylorii
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
This attractive liverwort is a common sight on humid heathland and in rocky, oceanic woodlands in the Lake District.
I've described it in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
I've described it in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Gymnomitrion crenulatum
Honister Pass, Lake District
This very distinctive Gymnomitrion can be locally very abundant at higher altitudes on the Lake District mountains, in some places being the dominant bryophyte covering exposed, hard, siliceous boulders. It has a characteristic dark grey or brownish colour, with very dense cushions, quite unlike G. obtusum (see below). Under the microscope, the leaf margins can be seen to have obvious finely-toothed margins.
Globally, G. crenulatum is quite a restricted species, being endemic to the Atlantic seaboard of western Europe, from Portugal to Norway.
plants in habitat (dark grey patches)
Globally, G. crenulatum is quite a restricted species, being endemic to the Atlantic seaboard of western Europe, from Portugal to Norway.
plants in habitat (dark grey patches)
Gymnomitrion obtusum
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Three Gymnomitrion species occur in northern England, and this is one is fairly frequent on dry, exposed crags and boulders.
I've described it in more detail in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
I've described it in more detail in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Diplophyllum albicans
Eden Gorge SSSI, Cumbria
Scapania nemorea
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
In damp woodlands, this can be the commonest Scapania and is often conspicuous, as it tends to grow in extensive patches with prominent brown gemmae at the tips of the shoots. Atypical forms with pale gemmae or untoothed leaves are harder to identify and subtler details of the leaf bases may become important in confirming its identity.
S.nemorea is very widespread in northern England and is easy to find.
S.nemorea is very widespread in northern England and is easy to find.
Scapania degenii
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
One of noerthern England's rarest liverworts, S.degenii is a classic species of base-rich montane flushes - a habitat that is rare in this part of the country. The Cronkley Fell area supports the only recently-seen populations in England, although there is one older Lake District record. The next-nearest populations are in the central Highlands of Scotland.
S.degenii has a distinctive yellowish-brown colour in the field and frequently has brown gemmae at the shoot tips, although these seem to be just as frequently absent, in my experience.
In its specialised habitat, S.degenii is unlikely to be confused with other Scapanias, and typical forms are much more robust than any potential look-alikes.
S.degenii has a distinctive yellowish-brown colour in the field and frequently has brown gemmae at the shoot tips, although these seem to be just as frequently absent, in my experience.
In its specialised habitat, S.degenii is unlikely to be confused with other Scapanias, and typical forms are much more robust than any potential look-alikes.
Scapania gracilis
Johnny Wood NR, Borrowdale, Lake District
This common species of damp woodland is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Saccogyna viticulosa
Baysbrown Wood SSSI, Lake District
A fairly common liverwort in wooded ravines in the Lake District, I've described Saccogyna in the Liverworts of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Plagiochila porelloides
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This common species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
P. porelloides is widespread across much of Cumbria.
P. porelloides is widespread across much of Cumbria.
Plagiochila punctata
Stanley Ghyll SSSI, Lake District
This lovely oceanic species is described in the Liverworts of Scotland section of the site.
In Cumbria, this species is rare, with most populations occurring in the Lake District. The only other English populations are in Devon and Cornwall.
In Cumbria, this species is rare, with most populations occurring in the Lake District. The only other English populations are in Devon and Cornwall.
Radula complanata
Eden Gorge SSSI, Cumbria
Radula complanata is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
It is a widespread species in Cumbria.
It is a widespread species in Cumbria.
Ptilidium ciliare
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
A common liverwort of heathy, upland slopes, P.ciliare is easy to recognise. It forms creeping mats and patches of branched stems with rounded tips. The colour is usually yellow or green with strong orange or red tints and the leaves have strongly-fringed edges. Plants growing in shaded habitats tend to be green, as shown in the photo below.
P. ciliare is widespread in much of Cumbria.
P. ciliare is widespread in much of Cumbria.
Porella arboris-vitae
Tilberthwaite Gill SSSI, Coniston, Lake District
This attractive species can be seen in oceanic ravines in the Lake District on base-rich rock, although it also occurs at other sites in Cumbria - it is more widespread here than anywhere else in England.
I've described the species in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described the species in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Frullania dilatata
Image coming soon!
Frullania tamarisci
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This is a very common species in the Lake District, where it occurs on trees and rocks. It is described in more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Johnny Wood SSSI, Borrowdale
Johnny Wood SSSI, Borrowdale
Marchesinia mackaii
Brown Robin NR, Cumbria
This attractive, oceanic liverwort is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
In Cumbria, ths species is restricted to the Lake District and limestone areas near Morecambe Bay.
In Cumbria, ths species is restricted to the Lake District and limestone areas near Morecambe Bay.
Harpalejeunea ovata
Honister Crags SSSI, Lake District
One of the very small Atlantic/oceanic Lejeuneaceae, Harpalejeunea is often inconspicuous, but grows in some abundance on Honister Crags, where these photos were taken. It is far less demanding of constant humidity than some of its cousins, and so will happily grow on exposed crags,albeit ones that face in the direction of the ocean. All Cumbria sites for this species are in the Lake District, on base-rich rocks.
Harpalejeunea is easily recognised under a microscope, when the broad, rounded underleaves with only a shallow central notch are not difficult to see. They are very different to the underleaves of Drepanolejeunea and Microlejeunea.
Harpalejeunea is easily recognised under a microscope, when the broad, rounded underleaves with only a shallow central notch are not difficult to see. They are very different to the underleaves of Drepanolejeunea and Microlejeunea.
Aphanolejeunea microscopica
Crinkle Crags, Lake District
Superficially similar to Harpalejeunea and Drepanolejeunea, this tiny liverwort is often only noticed after dedicated searching, as patches are often small - the one photographed here was barely 2cm across.
Aphanolejeunea is scarce in Cumbria (all sites are in the Lake District). It is less confined to base-rich sites than Harpalejeunea but cannot tolerate the same degree of exposure. The site above Crinkle Crags was in a wet, narrow, deep ravine where conditions will always be humid.
Under a microscope, Aphanolejeunea is seen to lack underleaves, making distinction between this and other similar species very easy. In the field, the leaves are noticeably more distant along the stems than its cousins as well.
Aphanolejeunea is scarce in Cumbria (all sites are in the Lake District). It is less confined to base-rich sites than Harpalejeunea but cannot tolerate the same degree of exposure. The site above Crinkle Crags was in a wet, narrow, deep ravine where conditions will always be humid.
Under a microscope, Aphanolejeunea is seen to lack underleaves, making distinction between this and other similar species very easy. In the field, the leaves are noticeably more distant along the stems than its cousins as well.
Metzgeria furcata
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This common species is described in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Metzgeria conjugata
Tilberthwaite Gill SSSI, Coniston, Lake District
M.conjugata is very similar to the common M.furcata and both are widespread in the Lake District, although M.conjugata is not found in acidic habitats and is less common as an epiphyte.
M.conjugata is most easily recognised under a microscope, where the hairs along the thallus margins occur in pairs, rather than singly. It is also autoicous, meaning that a single thallus bears male and female parts (these occur along the central rib of the thallus). Plants are usually fertile, but those without inflorescences can be distinguished from M.furcata on the basis of their marginal hairs.
M.conjugata is most easily recognised under a microscope, where the hairs along the thallus margins occur in pairs, rather than singly. It is also autoicous, meaning that a single thallus bears male and female parts (these occur along the central rib of the thallus). Plants are usually fertile, but those without inflorescences can be distinguished from M.furcata on the basis of their marginal hairs.
Marchantia quadrata (syn. Preissia quadrata)
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
Preissia can be found in just about any permanently damp, calcareous habitat in northern England.
I've described it on more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described it on more detail in the Liverworts of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sphagnum palustre
autumn colour form, Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale (this and previous photo)
Britain's most common and widespread Sphagnum species is normally an easy plant to find and identify. It grows in a range of damp and wet habitats but is not a species of bogs and mires, like some of its cousins. Plants are usually shades of pale green and white but in autumn and winter the plants turn yellowish with prominent brick-red capitula.
Capsules are sometimes found on this species, but are not especially common. You can see a photo of them here.
Capsules are sometimes found on this species, but are not especially common. You can see a photo of them here.
Sphagnum papillosum
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This species is closely-related to S.palustre and is very similar, with a similar distribution. It is named for the projecting papillae on the internal cell walls, which are easily seen under a microscope.
In the field, S.papillosum is usually a shade of brown, but shaded plants can be green or yellow. It grows in similar habitats to S.palustre and it is always worth determining specimens under a microscope, as S.palustre can be pale brown as well.
In the field, S.papillosum is usually a shade of brown, but shaded plants can be green or yellow. It grows in similar habitats to S.palustre and it is always worth determining specimens under a microscope, as S.palustre can be pale brown as well.
Sphagnum subnitens
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sphagnum molle
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
The muted, delicate colours of this Sphagnum make it a distinctive species, and one of the prettier ones, in my opinion!
S.molle is a spcies of humid heathland and raised bogs. When growing in quantity, it forms characteristic small, compact, rounded hummocks. The Solway Firth is very much a stronghold of this species in Cumbria, and it cn be locally abundant.
S.molle is usually very easy to recognise by its colours and compact habit. Under a microscope, the broad stem leaves are a distinctive feature.
large cushion, with Odontoschisma sphagni
S.molle is a spcies of humid heathland and raised bogs. When growing in quantity, it forms characteristic small, compact, rounded hummocks. The Solway Firth is very much a stronghold of this species in Cumbria, and it cn be locally abundant.
S.molle is usually very easy to recognise by its colours and compact habit. Under a microscope, the broad stem leaves are a distinctive feature.
large cushion, with Odontoschisma sphagni
Sphagnum tenellum
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
This small Sphagnum is widespread in northern England. I've described it the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Sphagnum pulchrum
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
Cumbria is a stronghold for this attractive Sphagnum. I've described it in the Bryophytes of Dorset section of the site.
Andreaea rothii
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
This dark Andreaea species form distinctive black cushions on exposed rocks. When wet, the cushions change to a deep red-brown colour, rather different to the orange of A.rupestris (see below). A.rothii is the commonest British species and is easily recognised by its leaves, whcih have a nerve.
The Lake District is home to the very rare A.frigida, which closely resembles A.rothii and is known from several streams on the east side of Scafell. The two can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves - A.frigida has gradually tapering leaves and is also a larger plant.
The Lake District is home to the very rare A.frigida, which closely resembles A.rothii and is known from several streams on the east side of Scafell. The two can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves - A.frigida has gradually tapering leaves and is also a larger plant.
Andreaea rupestris
Stonethwaite Wood SSSI, Borrowdale, Lake District
On exposed siliceous rocks in upland Britain, this moss soon becomes a familiar sight. When wet, the thin, wiry stems swell as the leaves spread out. Dry plants are dark brown but become more orange when wet.
The very similar A.mutabilis is also known from the Lake District. It has smaller spores and non-sheathing leaves, which often have a characteristic patch of yellow cells at their base.
The very similar A.mutabilis is also known from the Lake District. It has smaller spores and non-sheathing leaves, which often have a characteristic patch of yellow cells at their base.
Atrichum undulatum
Stanley Ghyll SSSI, Lake District
This common woodland moss is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Diphyscium foliosum
below Honister Crags, Lake District
Diphysicum foliosum is an unusual moss and the only member of its family in Britain.It is a frequent species in western Britain and can ascend to high altitudes in the mountains.
Despite this terrible photo, it can be recognised by its distinctive, immersed capsules. Its leaves are long and rather Tortula-like.
Despite this terrible photo, it can be recognised by its distinctive, immersed capsules. Its leaves are long and rather Tortula-like.
Rhabdoweisia fugax
above Hell Gill, Lake District
Crinkle Gill, Lake District
Rhabdoweisias are easily-overlooked mosses which tend to grow as small tufts or cushions. The leaves are distinctly cripsed when dry and small ovoid capsules are usually present, held erect on pale setae.
The three species present in Britain can be difficult to separate - the most useful way to do this is by measuring leaf cells, although cells in individual leaves can vary widely in size.
R.fugax and R.crispata have smaller cells than R.crenulata (generally 12 microns and under). R.crispata differs from R.fugax in having slightly wider leaves near the apex and broader peristome teeth with do not break off easily. Both occur in similar shady, rocky habitats.
The three species present in Britain can be difficult to separate - the most useful way to do this is by measuring leaf cells, although cells in individual leaves can vary widely in size.
R.fugax and R.crispata have smaller cells than R.crenulata (generally 12 microns and under). R.crispata differs from R.fugax in having slightly wider leaves near the apex and broader peristome teeth with do not break off easily. Both occur in similar shady, rocky habitats.
Arctoa fulvella
above Hell Gill, Lake District
microscope view of specimen from Hell Gill
This species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
The plants shown here marked the first records of this moss in the Lake District since the 1960s. Plants are very scattered, small and easily-overlooked.
long, fine, faintly-toothed leaf apex
The plants shown here marked the first records of this moss in the Lake District since the 1960s. Plants are very scattered, small and easily-overlooked.
long, fine, faintly-toothed leaf apex
Dicranum polysetum
Cumwhitton Moss SSSI
D.polysetum is a rare moss of heathy woodland floors, where it grows as green patches with obviously undulate leaves. The leaves are recurved below and have strongly-toothed margins as well - these features will distinguish it from other woodland Dicranum species.
This species is very uncommon in northern England, and known from scattered sites in Yorkshire and the far north of Cumbria, along the Scottish Border.
This species is very uncommon in northern England, and known from scattered sites in Yorkshire and the far north of Cumbria, along the Scottish Border.
Dicranum scoparium
Bowness Common, Solway Firth, Cumbria
Drumburgh Moss SSSI, Cumbria
D.scoparium is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Dicranum bonjeanii
Cronkley Fell, Teesdale
This Dicranum is characteristic of marshes and flushed grassland. Its most distinctive feature is its wavy leaves, although marshland forms of D.scoparium can also have undulating leaves. The latter species has leaves with lamellae on the nerve, though - a leaf section will easily distinguish them. D.scoparium also has a much wider nerve.
Dicranodontium denudatum
Stanley Ghyll SSSI, Lake District
This oceanic moss is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Campylopus atrovirens
below Piers Gill, Lake District
This fairly large and conspicuous Campylopus is a typical resident of flushed, acidic mountain slopes and permanently humid moorland. Its black colour with fine yellow-green tips gives it a distinctive appearance.
This species can be confused with the much rare C.setifolius, which is well-known from strongly oceanic montane sites in the Lake District. C.atrovirens differs in its blackish colour and lacks teeth on the leaf margins, although the hair-point is strongly-toothed.
This species can be confused with the much rare C.setifolius, which is well-known from strongly oceanic montane sites in the Lake District. C.atrovirens differs in its blackish colour and lacks teeth on the leaf margins, although the hair-point is strongly-toothed.
Campylopus flexuosus
Bowness Common SSSI, Solway Firth, Cumbria
leaf base and nerve cross-section, specimen from Crinkle Gill, Lake District
This common species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
leaf apex, Crinkle Gill
leaf apex, Crinkle Gill