It is often the dominating moss species in moderately rich forest habitats in the boreal regions and the Pacific Northwest.

Because of its fuzzy appearance and tail-like shape it is also called the 'electrified cat's tail moss'.

[3] Not to be confused with square goose-necked moss, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus.

Occasionally grows on logs and trees in lowland rainforests or on sandy-gravelly soils near streams.

[3] In a study of the effect of the herbicide Asulam on moss growth, Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus was shown to have intermediate sensitivity to Asulam exposure.