Polytrichum perigoniale

Regarded by some as merely a variety of Polytrichum commune but differs from it quite distinctly with its wiry shoots that are covered with felt-like rhizoids below and which form dense turfs about 3-6cm tall. Unlike Poytrichum commune it is not found in wet habitats but occurs in dry heathlands, on gravel tracks and sand dunes. Also, its stem leaves are less coarsly toothed than those of Polytrichum commune and the perichaetial leaves (which surround the female inflorescence) taper to an entire or only slightly toothed finely drawn-out point (see photo) - those of Polytrichum commune are toothed, particularly towards the apex. It appears to be uncommon in Britain with most records from west Wales and north-western Scotland, but it may be under recorded. There is just one record from West Glamorgan, where it was found on established spoil on Caegurwen Common by BS in 2019, a suitable  habitat that is widespread in the county and worthy of more detailed searches for this species in future. Sporophyte capsules are occasional.