Polytrichum formosum Bank Haircap

A dioicous acrocarpous moss which grows in woodland, including conifer forests, heathland and moorland, usually on at least slightly acidic soil. It is a medium sized haircap moss, typically much smaller than Polytrichum commune and unlike Polytichastrum alpinum, usually unbranched. The capsules are four, five or six-angled and do not have a basal constriction or collar (see photo and compare with Polytrichum commune). It is widespread and common in Britain and found throughout Wales. It is very common in West Glamorgan and a typical memmber of the upland sessile-oak woodland bryophyte flora along with Thuidium tamariscinum, Plagiothecium undulatum, Rhytidiadelphus loreus and Dicranum majus. In heath and moor communities it is frequently found with Hypnum jutlandicum and Pleurozium schreberi. Sporophyte capsules are common in summer.