Identification notes

This is a common plant associated with shaded well-drained base-rich rocks and masonry, but can also grow as an epiphyte, especially where tree roots or the base of the trunk have a thin covering of soil. It forms extensive loose patches or cushions of relatively unbranched stems which can be several cm long. The dry stems are a dull yellowish green with a rather untidy appearance due to the irregularly twisted leaves. It has the ability to absorb or lose water remarkably quickly, and after a rain shower it becomes a brighter green with spreading leaves and a more regularly bushy appearance.

The leaves themselves have  a blunt, rounded tip and an irregularly undulate margin. Racomitrium aciculare  has a similar leaf tip but is toothed and forms smaller, tighter cushions and tends to be found on more acid rocks near water.

Distribution in Great Britain and Ireland

Quite widespread, although tends to be scarcer in the uplands.