Common Smoothcap - Atrichum undulatum

This distinctive species can form extensive patches, usually dark green, but sometimes yellower when well-lit. The erect stems reach 7 cm, with leaves to 1 cm in length and are strongly crisped when dry. The leaves have up to seven plates of tissue running longitudinally up the leaf and over the nerve, which are clearly visible with a hand lens. It also has toothed leaf edges.

Cylindrical capsules are frequent, 3 to 4 mm long with a long weak beak of similar length, on a 2 to 4 cm long reddish seta.

Usually found in shaded, well-drained woodlands on all but the most extreme soils. Can also be found on heaths, grasslands or rocky ledges.

Very common and widespread in Britain.

Frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.