Habitat

 

Ptilidium californicum may be located growing epiphytically on living trees (particularly alder trees), rotting logs, boulders, and cliffs.

 

 

 

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Gametophyte

Overall Structure:

 

 

Ptilidium californicum has colors that range from rusty brown to dark green.

 

 

 

 

The soft shoots of Ptilidium californicum are firmly fixed to the substratum.

 

 

 

 

 

Shoots are irregularly branched.

 

 

 

Leaf Structure:

 

 

Individual lateral leaves have several lobes.

 

 

 

 

The margins of lateral leaves have cilate teeth. The ciliate teeth are the long finger-like projections extending off of each lobe.

 

 

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Sporophyte

Sporophytes are common from spring to autumn. Mature sporophytes emerge from the perianth via seta elongation.

Sporangium:

The seta elongates after the sporangium has matured.  Spores are released via four lines of dehiscence of the sporangium.