Pleurozium schreberi

English name: Red-stemmed feather-moss

A distinctive pleurocarpous moss in which the bright red, loosely pinnate branches can be seen through the translucent green leaves. The leaves are concave and oval with a base that envelopes the stem and a broad, blunt tip.

In Scotland, Pleurozium schreberi is widespread in heathy woodland, moorland, heathland and bogs. BBS distribution map

Look out for Hylocomium splendens and Rhytidiadelphus loreus nearby.

Confusion species: Hylocomium splendens and Pseudoscleropodium purum

Pleurozium schreberi on a woodland dyke along the Feugh near Finzean (VC92)
Pleurozium schreberi on a dyke at Drum Castle (NTS) (VC92)
Pleurozium schreberi (dry) in broadleaved woodland at Craibstone (VC92)