English name: Redshank
A distinctive acrocarpous moss that forms yellow, mid-green, red or purple-brown cushions or patches. The narrowly triangular leaves are held away from the stem when moist and somewhat twisted and wavy when dry. The leaf tip is acutely pointed and the stout nerve ends in the tip. Red-brown capsules are swollen at the base and held on a purple-red seta.
Capsules mature in spring and early summer.
In Scotland, Ceratodon purpureus is widespread on well-drained, acidic substrates in habitats like heathland and grassland, on roadsides embankments, dykes and old camp fire sites. BBS distribution map
scottishlichens.co.uk 