Also occurs on ledges, humus and decaying wood in cool, moist ravines and mountain woods from sea level to 10,000'. A common moss on dune pastures in Scotland. Restricted to areas sheltered by trees and shrubs. Requires shade, moderate water levels, and high nutrient levels. It is not rooted in the substrate and is nearly independent of the substrate's nutrient and water supply.
Growth is controlled by rainfall frequency and degree of protection from evaporation stress .
Dries up quickly when canopy cover is not adequate to prevent high evaporation. Growth rates highest in habitats protected from evaporation stress, and survival is enhanced in shaded habitats or in environments with high humidity and consistent cloud cover. Typically occurs in stable late stages of succession. Very shade tolerant. It typically occurs in wet stands of white or black spruce that have a fire regime of 200 to 400 years.