korvalehde

Korvalehde is a Finnish word that translates to "earleaf" or "leaf of the ear". It most commonly refers to a specific type of moss, Leucobryum glaucum, which is known for its plump, cushion-like appearance and pale green to bluish-green coloration. This moss is found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe and North America, and typically grows in damp, shaded environments such as forests, bogs, and on rocks.

The common name "korvalehde" is likely derived from the moss's tendency to grow in rounded, ear-shaped hummocks. In Finnish folklore and traditional medicine, certain mosses have occasionally been attributed with healing properties or used in specific applications, though "korvalehde" itself does not appear to have a prominent role in widespread mythological narratives or widely documented traditional remedies beyond general uses of mosses.

Beyond its botanical meaning, "korvalehde" can also be used metaphorically in Finnish to describe something that resembles an ear or is ear-shaped. This figurative usage is less common than its botanical reference. The scientific classification of Leucobryum glaucum places it within the family Leucobryaceae. Its distinctive appearance makes it a recognizable element of forest floor vegetation in its native habitats.