[4] The species is abundant in the right habitat, and grows in marshes and wet woodland,[5] especially woodland of alder (Alnus) or willow (Salix),[6] as well as around streams, ditches and pools.

It typically prefers lowland, but has been recorded as high as 910 metres (1,000 yd) above sea level in Inverness, Scotland.

It is found throughout Europe (including north, into the Arctic Circle - Svalbard, the Faeroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland - and east into the Caucasus).

[7] Calliergon cordifolium is a medium-sized to large moss with erect, green shoots.

The shoots can reach up to 15 centimetres (5.9 in), with egg-shaped leaves from 2 to 2.5 millimetres (0.079 to 0.098 in) wide.