[1] The only species in the genus Dendroalsia, it is a rather large and conspicuous moss.

It's easy to recognize when dry, because each stem curls downward like a clenched fist.

[2] Dendroalsia is common moss throughout the Pacific Northwest (California, Oregon, Washington, and into British Columbia).

[3] It often covers whole tree trunks, leaving little room for competition, but also occurs on rocks.

[3] While other mosses such as Antitrichia california/Antitrichia curtipendula favor the bases of oak trees, Dendroalsia is more common on the trunks.