English name: Bank haircap
Revised name: Polytrichum formosum
An acrocarpous moss that is medium-sized with erect, unbranched shoots that are held in loose tufts. The dark green leaves are straight, but become wavy and duller when dry. The margins of the leaves are toothed and the base where the leaf sheathes the stem is matt and colourless. Rectangular shaped capsules are frequent and held erect or inclined on a seta that is yellowish above and red below.
Capsules mature in early summer.
In Scotland, Polytrichastrum formosum is widespread in deciduous woodland and heaths and moorland. BBS distribution map
Look out for Hypnum jutlandicum, Kindbergia praelonga, Mnium hornum and Plagiothecium undulatum nearby.
Confusion species: Polytrichum commune var. commune
scottishlichens.co.uk 