It is found in all continents except Antarctica and occurs in a wide variety of habitats and climatic zones.

It typically grows on tree trunks, logs, walls, rocks and other surfaces.

It was formerly used as a filling for pillows and mattresses; the association with sleep is the origin of the genus name Hypnum (from Greek Hypnos).

The stems are branched and covered in overlapping leaves giving the impression of a cypress tree.

The moss produces short, cylindrical and slightly curved capsules which contain the spores.