Nostoc commune is a filamentous cyanobacterium that grows in a mucilaginous matrix. When wet, these colonies are jelly-like and green to dark green. As they dry they become papery and usually darken to dark green or nearly black. Even in terrestrial habitats, there are other species of cyanobacteria that will form macroscopic gelatinous colonies so microscopic examination is recommended to confirm identity.
Nostoc commune is most conspicuous on damp sandy or gravel surfaces. You can often find colonies along roadsides, in parking lots or under outdoor benches in plant nurseries. This species is probably found in every Maryland county.
There are 47 records in the project database.
| GA | AL | WA | FR | CL | MO | HO | BA | BC | HA | CE | PG | AA | CV | CH | SM | KE | QA | CN | TA | DO | WI | SO | WO |
