The Rock firmoss (Huperzia porophila) grows throughout the Appalachian province of the eastern United States, but is rare east of the Appalachians, being most common in a north-south belt along the western plateau area.
This firmoss grows only on or over rock and requires cool, moist, shaded, acid spots. It is a beautiful sight growing over boulders and outcrops. It is often confused with the Shining firmoss (Huperzia lucidula) whose range it largely shares and which also often grows on rocks. The rock firmoss leaves, 3-8 mm long, are generally not shiny like those of the Shining firmoss, and the ascending 12-15 cm stems are seldom branched.
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