Riccia are mostly terrestrial and form rosettes on moist soil. Several species of Riccia are also amphibious. Riccia may be unisexual or bisexual. Leafy liverworts often have two rows of leaves. The leaves are often divided into two or more lobes.
Some species contain a third row of leaves called an amphigastria.
The leaves are only one cell layer thick. This is called anisophylly. They are more erect then thallose liverworts and resemble mosses. Leafy liverworts contain no cuticle, the waxy protective covering on their leaves. The absorption and lose of water is done directly.