Plants small. Stems 1–6 cm. Leaves with distalmost not spiraled around stem, stiffly erect, sometimes somewhat secund, crowded to distant, lanceolate, not plicate. Capsule 1–2 mm.

Phenology: Capsules mature Jun–Aug.
Habitat: Seepage slopes, along creeks, clay, silt, intermixed with other bryophytes
Elevation: low to high elevations (0-3300 m)

Distribution

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Alta., B.C., Man., N.S., N.W.T., Nunavut, Ont., Que., Yukon, Alaska, Calif., Colo., Minn., Mont., Oreg., Tenn., Wash., Wyo., c, n Europe, c, sw Asia, Atlantic Islands (Iceland).

Discussion

Variety pumila is diminutive and typically grows in dense mats or sods; the stems are tightly interlaced with tomentum. The stiffly erect leaves that are neither catenulate nor spiraled aid in its identification. The range is arctic-alpine. This variety is a characteristic member of bog communities throughout the Arctic tundra and taiga.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.