However, it has also been identified in India, China, Nepal, Japan, Algeria, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Turkey, Syria, and the Atlantic islands (i.e.

[6] Recent molecular studies suggest that it should be moved back to its original genus (Polytrichum),[7] however bryologists have not yet reached a consensus.

Polytrichastrum formosum generally inhabits shaded, poor soils and humus in damp coniferous forests and cool temperate rainforests.

[3][8] This species is most common in Europe and grows in grasslands, lowland heaths, acidic moorlands, rocky slopes, and old buildings.

[9] Polytrichastrum formosum is a medium to large robust acrocarpous moss, growing in uncrowded, unbranching tufts.

[3] The leaves have a toothed margin and a prominent costa, where guide cells help conduct water throughout the leaf, and stereids on the dorsal side provide protection.

[2][3] Lamellae help increase desiccation tolerance and photosynthetic efficiency by providing more surface area for light absorption and gas exchange.

[3] P. formosum, like all members of the Polytrichaceae family, is an acrocarpous or cushion moss with reproductive structures borne at the terminus of the gametophyte stem.

Sperm can be dispersed up to one meter from the male, and if they successfully reach an archegonia, the egg will be fertilized and grow into a diploid sporophyte.

[19] Polytrichastrum can be distinguished from Polytrichum by sporangial features including multiple-angled capsules (more than 4 sided), elongated peristome teeth surrounding the ridged epiphragm, and larger spores.