Identification notes
This is certainly our commonest and widespread species. It is always found in places where it is regularly submerged, irrigated or splashed. It can even grow away from water on sheltered rock or more rarely, decaying wood, but only in very high rainfall districts. It avoids the much drier situations preferred by Scapania gracilis.
It’s a relatively large plant and may be tinged purple or completely green. Typical plants are not too difficult to recognise in the field, but others may need microscopical determination.
Read the Field Guide account
