Closeup view of P. schreberi showing the reddish stems. This moss is very common in boreal forests. Leaves are divergent from the sheathing bases when humid, becoming incurved when dry. Toothed leaf margins, angled capsule, and shiny sheathing bases of the leaves are also useful field marks. View of Polytrichium commune showing the upright growth pattern.
Capsules are angular in shape with a brownish or whitish membrane on top.
Also found on road banks and cliff ledges. View of Polytrichium juniperinum View of P. juniperinum showing the capsules. Tips of leaves extend into long, white hair points, and leaf blades are incurved. Sometimes the whole plant is tinged with red. Rain splashes the antheridia as far as 1 meter away.