English name: Grey-cushioned grimmia
A distinctive acrocarpous moss that forms low, almost furry grey cushions. The dark green leaves are narrow and have recurved margins. The leaf tip is abruptly contracted into a silvery long hair point. This species is instantly recognised by the numerous oval capsules that are held on an arching seta, leaving the capsules burrowed in the cushion.
Capsules mature in late spring.
In Scotland, Grimmia pulvinata is widespread on limestone and calcareous sandstone, and on manmade substrata such as wall tops, tombstones, mortar and concrete. BBS distribution map
Look out for Bryum capillare, Orthotrichum anomalum, Schistidium crassipulum and Tortula muralis nearby.
Confusion species: Grimmia donniana
scottishlichens.co.uk 