Plants clustered in loose to compact tufts, black or brown with age. Stems ca. 4–10 cm, central strand absent; rhizoids forming a “hold-fast,” occasionally extending from stem and abaxial surface of leaves. Leaves erect to patent when dry, when present pseudocosta marginal [submarginal]; apex often cucullate. Outer perichaetial leaves one-third shorter than inner leaves. Vaginula forming a sheath around proximal third or fourth of seta. Seta 1/3–1/2 capsule length. Capsule glossy black with age, columella when dry appearing longitudinally ribbed, when wet expanding, becoming stoutly cylindrical or ovoid. Spores 30–55 µm.

Distribution

nw North America, temperate South America, n Asia.

Discussion

Species 3 (2 in the flora).

Scouleria patagonica) is the only taxon found in South America.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Scouleria aquatica, Scouleria marginata

Key

1	Leaf margin 1-stratose or partially (rarely fully) 2-stratose; peristome present.	Scouleria aquatica
1	Leaf margin multistratose; peristome absent.	Scouleria marginata