Polytrichum commune

Polytrichum commune, commonly known as hair-cap moss, is a species of moss that often forms large mats in acidic environments like peat bogs. This moss can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching over 15 cm (6 inches). Its leaves are reddish-brown or dark green, with sheathed bases and pointed tips.1

The plant has separate male and female individuals. The female spore cases, called capsules, resemble grains of wheat and are covered by a hood-like structure with long hairs. P. commune capsules are box-shaped, and a distinctive white membrane is visible after the lid detaches. The moss typically grows from underground filaments called rhizoids. Historically, hair-cap moss has been used for stuffing bedding and in crafting items like brooms and baskets.1