Campylopus fragilis

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Identification notes

Although Campylopus species are feared by many, some of them are really quite distinctive and can usually be recognised in the field without recourse to sectioning leaves (hooray).

Fortunately, Campylopus fragilis is one of those. It has a striking appearance that resembles a start burst. Like most Campylopus species, the leaves of C. fragilis readily break off and behave as asexual propagules. However C. fragilis is a little different in producing numerous tiny, very slender pale leaves at the shoot tips that readily detach and these give the plant its characteristic look (and specific name).

Read the Field Guide account

Distribution in Great Britain and Ireland

View distribution from the BBS Atlas 2014

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