Usually terrestrial or on decaying logs in forests. View of Hylocomium splendens showing stair-step growth pattern. Appears whitish because some cells of the costa do not have chlorophyll. View of Leucobryum glaucum showing clustered growth pattern. Branches are flat in appearance with elliptical, short-pointed leaves twisted to extend on only two sides of the stem.
Leaves stand out from surfaces in shelf-like appearance.
View of Neckera pennata showing shelf-like growth of moss away from tree trunk. View of N. pennata showing wavy appearance of leaves. Important ground cover. In sterile litter and on rock. Occasionally ascends tree bases.