[1] The genus is named after Franz Caspar Kiaer (1835-1893), a Norwegian doctor and bryologist.

The moss is similar to small Dicranum species and form loose to dense cushions.

The stems are erect, 1-2 inches high (occasionally higher) and are sparsely fibrous with rhizoids below.

The leaves are lanceolate, erect-spreading, sometimes falcate, with full margins, to cut up against the blade tip, with emerging veining.

Species of the genus Kiaeria are found in the northern hemisphere in the arctic and subalpine to alpine areas.