Polytrichum piliferum Bristly Haircap

A dioicous, acrocarpous moss and a calcifuge, pioneer species on well-drained dry heathland, dry peat, coal spoil, sandy and gravelly habitats and dry scree. It is a small haircap moss, similar in size to Polytrichum juniperinum, but with distinctive white, bristle-like hairpoints on its leaves, which are very concpicuous when plants are dry. Male plants become very conspicuous in spring when they have a terminal cluster of bright red modified leaves (see photo). It is a common and abundant species in western and nothern Britain, ubiquitous in Wales and widespread in West Glamorgan, particularly in the acidic uplands of the South Wales Coalfied. Sporophyte capsules are occasional.