Frullania grows horizontally. Very fine, lacy growth pattern. View of Frullania sp. Closeup view of Frullania sp. Resembles a small fern.
Leaves are flat in appearance, growing in same plane.
A new branch grows each year in the middle of the top branch, arching upward in stair-step fashion. Stems are reddish like Pleurozium schreberi, which may cause confusion, but branches are flat. Plants are brownish green and can be either dull or glossy. Usually terrestrial or on decaying logs in forests. View of Hylocomium splendens showing stair-step growth pattern.