Habitat and Identification

Wood bristle moss (Lewinskya affinis) is a common and vibrant moss that forms loose branching tufts, ranging from 0.5 to 4cm tall, the leaves themselves are very small, often only 3mm in length, the tips taper to a point. The leaves grow in mid green and often shift to yellow-green tufts. The seed capsules of the wood bristle moss can be found all year round, but they only ripen in summer, when they are new they lie in a pale brown sheath to allow them to weather the elements before they ripen. The seeds have slightly serrated hooks that allow them to latch onto passing wildlife as a method of dispersion. As the seeds will catch on the hair/fur of creatures that brush against the moss and eventually fall off elsewhere. The wood bristle moss grows mainly on trees and dead wood, but seems to grow in abundance on ash, along with wooden fences. Wood bristle moss can also be found on less permeable surfaces such as stone or concrete if the conditions are right. Wood bristle moss is native and widespread in the UK and a lot of western Europe. It grows extremely well in slightly shaded damp areas, such as hedgerows and dead wood on forest floors.

Folklore and Medicinal use

I have been unable to find specific information on the medicinal uses of wood bristle moss. However, the medical uses of moss are deeply rooted in traditional medicine and first aid. Due to the porous and malleable nature of the moss tufts, they can often be used as makeshift sponges, and sphagnum moss in particular as it has antifungal properties as well as holding moisture very well, allowing it to be used for bandages and dressings historically. Similarly, the folklore of moss runs deep in both western European and Celtic folklore, with many tales of woodland sprites and “moss people” as well as this moss being commonly associated with lush habitats and new growth.