Sand-hill Screw-moss - Syntrichia ruraliformis

Alternative names
Syntrichia ruralis subsp. ruraliformis
Description

The leaf margin is strongly recurved to the apex and the margin tapers towards the apex, giving the shoots a stellate appearance when viewed from above. The leaves themselves are recurved and tend to be concave.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

It is particularly characteristic of sand dunes, especially calcareous ones, but it can also be very abundant inland on sandy soils and stony, dry places such as airfields.

When to see it

All year round.

UK Status

Widespread, though often coastal in Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Sand-hill Screw-moss
Species group:
Mosses & Liverworts
Kingdom:
Plantae
Order:
Dicranales
Family:
Pottiaceae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
20/03/2023 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
14/02/2024 (axon, kaye)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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