Even whole cushions can be relocated by wind, animals, and humans to colonize new isolated or remote locations.

In some parts of Europe and North America the species has become mildly invasive, as it temporarily may have a negative and local impact on the diversity.

It may also grow on rotting logs, old fence posts, roadsides, mining deposits, and roof shingles.

A 14-year study found that a lichen dominated grassland became overwhelmingly covered with dense mats of C. introflexus.

[7] Additionally, studies have shown C. introflexus can have faster vertical and horizontal growth, giving the species a larger photosynthetic canopy and ability to dominate over competing mosses.

Many fly species prefer the moister microclimate produced by C. introflexus to protect their larvae from desiccation, and they are found more often around the moss beds.

However, species such as ground beetles and spiders are less active and found less often in the moss-encroached dunes, most likely due to a loss of food abundance.

As a result, birds such as the tawny pipit which eat arthropods have disappeared from the mossy dunes.