It can also be found on soil along trails and other shaded, open areas.

The moss sometimes forms lush, extensive mats.

They have wide-spreading, glistening leaves when moist that become shrivelled and dull when dry.

The male plants can be distinguished by their conspicuously flattened heads.

[clarification needed] It can be distinguished from magnificent moss[clarification needed] by its unisexual plants, leaf edges that extend down the stems for a noticeable length, and 3-6 stalked capsules per plant.