Bicoloured Bryum - Bryum dichotomum

B. dichotomum is usually less than 1 cm tall, growing in compact tufts, or having scattered shoots, with rather concave leaves which are short (2 to 2.5 mm) in relation to their width when compared with many other Bryum species. 1 to 5 bulbils (about 1 mm long) frequently occur in many of the leaf axils. Pendulous, egg-shaped capsules are often produced in autumn and winter. They are rather rounded and short, varying in length between 1 and 2.5 mm, and pass abruptly into a seta which is only 8 to 15 mm long.

A good photo is needed showing sufficient detail, including the bulbils, to confirm the ID.

A moss of disturbed soil, especially base-rich clays, for example compacted soil on and beside paths, roads and water courses, in gardens, fields, on waste ground, in quarries and sand dunes. B. dichotomum also grows on roofs, and on stone, for example on walls, cliffs and rocks by water courses.

All year round.

Widespread and frequent throughout Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.