Sciuro-hypnum populeum Matted Feather-moss

An autoicous pleurocarpous moss which grows as an epiphyte on the trunks and branches of broadleaved trees, particularly ash, willows and sycamore and also on base-rich rocks. It is a rather slender feather-moss with narrow leaves that are drawn out into a fine point and which have a strong nerve that extends all the way to the tip (see photo). It is widespread in much of western and northern Britain and it is found commonly throughout Wales. It is fairly common and widely distributed in West Glamorgan. Sporophyte capsules are frequent from autumn to spring.