Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus Springy Turf-moss

A fairly robust, dioicous, pleurocarpous moss which occurs in a range of habitats. It is extremely common and it has very wide ecological tolerance occuring in short acidic and calcareous grassland, heathland, moorland, bogs, open woodland, sea cliffs and sand dunes. If you have moss in your lawn, it is probably Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. The shoots have reflexed leaves which bend back and spread to give a characteristic starry appearance, particularly evident when you look at the shoots from above. It is a smaller plant than Rhytidiadelphus loreus and its leaves are much more reflexed. It is ubiquitous in Britain and it is one of the most common bryophytes in West Glamorgan where it often forms extensive mats on open banks and in heathland. Sporophyte capsules are rare.