Polytrichum juniperinum Juniper Haircap

A dioicous, acrocarpous moss of acidic habitats such as heathland, acid grassland and acidic dunes, often as a pioneer species. It forms compact colonies made up of unbranched reddish shoots with sharply pointed, untoothed leaves which are inrolled, particularly near the tip. It is generally smaller than Polytrichum formosum, although small forms of that species can be confused with it but have toothed leaves. It is similar in size to Polytrichum piliferum, with which it may grow, but that species has leaves with long white haipoints. It is found throughout Britain, is common in Wales and widespread and abundant in much of West Galmorgan. Sporophyte capsules are occasional.