English name: Seaside grimmia
An acrocarpous moss that forms dark, olive-green cushions. The species has opaque leaves that are thickened above. The pale green or light brown capsules are sheathed by slightly broader leaves.
Capsules mature in winter and early spring.
In Scotland, Schistidium maritimum is widespread along the coast where it grows in shallow crevices on coastal rocks. BBS distribution map
Look out for Trichostomum brachydontium and Ulota phyllantha nearby.
scottishlichens.co.uk 