Identification notes
This little moss is a calcifuge and is normally to be found on markedly acid soils. It resembles Dicranella varia (which is fond of more neutral ground) but it is usually smaller and its vegetative parts (especially the stem) are strongly red-tinged. Another good field character for D. rufescens is its shortish leaves that are turned to one side. It also differs from D. varia in having leaf margins that are not recurved, although a stereomicroscope may be needed to see that character.
Look for D. rufescens on fine, damp acid soil near water and in woodland rides.
Read the Field Guide account
