Cylindric Beard-moss - Didymodon insulanus

Typical shoots are 0.5 to 3 cm tall, olive-green, and often brownish on the lower part. The narrow upper leaves average 3 to 4 mm in length (longer than the lower leaves), with a long, tapering tip. Each one curves to the side, giving shoots a spiralled appearance when viewed from above and they curl and twist into a characteristic shape when dry. Erect, cylindrical capsules are very rare in spring, and are borne on a wavy seta.

D. insulanus is a lowland moss, usually growing on soil, but may also occur on stone or brick walls, concrete, tarmac, pavements, damp rocks and wood. It also grows on silty soil, tree bases and wooden posts in the flood zone of rivers and streams.

All year round

Common and widespread in Britain. It is less common than D. vinealis in the south and east, but frequent in the north and west.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.