The capsule is not at all the arcuate type seen in the Amblystegiaceae, and the leaf shape, areolation and long costa suggest a better placement in the Brachytheciaceae, although the presence of pseudoparaphyllia is otherwise unknown in that family. 1976 Hypnum serpens var. W. J. Hooker ex T. Drummond, Musci Amer. Plants small and slender, in dense, more or less loose in shiny, light green or yellow mats. Stems erect-ascending or creeping, usually more or less curved at the tips.
Perichaetial leaves erect, lance-acuminate from a sheathing base.
Calyptra smooth, naked. On damp cliffs, especially limestone, in swamps on logs, stumps, humus, and bark at base of trees.