Common Pincushion

<em>Dicranoweisia cirrata</em>, the common pincushion moss, is an acrocarpous moss in the family Rhabdoweisiaceae, forming dense, compact cushions or tufts with a characteristic green to yellowish-green colouration. It is typically found growing on dry, acidic bark of trees and on exposed acidic rocks and walls, often colonising fenceposts, tree bases, and similar structures in towns and rural areas. The species is distributed across Europe, with confirmed records from Luxembourg, Portugal, and Sweden, as well as broader occurrences across temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. <em>Dicranoweisia cirrata</em> is well adapted to periods of desiccation, capable of recovering after drying out, which allows it to thrive in exposed situations where other bryophytes may struggle. It reproduces through spores and vegetatively via leaf fragments. The species is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, reflecting its relatively widespread occurrence and tolerance of disturbed habitats. Biological traits such as average cushion longevity, growth rates, and detailed physiological data remain poorly documented in the scientific literature. The species is considered a useful bioindicator of air quality and bark chemistry in ecological surveys.