English name: Fern-leaved hook-moss
A pleurocarpous moss with pinnate shoots that have a rather pale tip. The rigid leaves look spiky as the stout nerve is prominent all the way to the tip. They leaves may be curved and give the branches a hooked appearance. The stem is covered in red-brown rhizoids.
In Scotland, Cratoneuron filicinum is widespread in moist or wet, base-rich habitats such as springs, flushes and rock ledges, and ruderal habitats such as gravelly tracksides and on old tarmac. BBS distribution map
Look out for Bryum pseudotriquetrum, Calliergonella cuspidata, Campyllium stellatum and Pellia endiviifolia nearby.
Confusion species: Ctenidium mossulscum and Palustriella commutata
scottishlichens.co.uk 