English name: Marsh forklet-moss
A distinctive acrocarpous moss with light green, upright shoots. The leaves have a broad base that sheathes the stem and taper gradually to a blunt tip. The upper part of the leaf curves away from the stem, in turn giving the shoot a star-like appearance.
In Scotland, Dichodontium palustre is widespread in upland regions on wet, acid ground and can be found in habitats where there is some movement of water such as flushes, streamsides, seepages and marshes. BBS distribution map
Look out for Brachythecium rivulare, Calliergonella cuspidata, Philonotis fontana and Scapania undulata nearby.
Confusion species: Campylium stellatum and Dichodontium pellucidum
scottishlichens.co.uk 