Thickpoint Grimmia - Schistidium crassipilum

This is by far the commonest Schistidium in lowland Britain, and is the only member of the genus likely to be found in much of England. It grows as rounded cushions or flat patches 1 to 3 cm tall. These usually look hoary owing to the presence of a hair point at the tip of the leaves. Lower leaves are about 1.75 to 2.25 mm long; those surrounding the capsules may exceed 3 mm. The capsules, largely hidden by the leaves that sheath them, are characteristic of Schistidium and distinguish the genus from other hoary mosses on walls.

Calcareous walls are the main habitat of S. crassipilum and this species can be found throughout the country in man-made habitats. Sometimes it grows on tarmac paths. More natural habitats include blocks of limestone and base-rich sandstone.

All year round

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.