Stem leaves oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate; margins entire; apex narrowly obtuse to broadly acute. Seta 0.5-1.5 mm. Capsule oblong-cylindric, 1.3-2.5 mm; exostome teeth reflexed, densely papillose; endostome segments 16, of 2 rows of cells, as long as exostome, papillose. Calyptra naked. Spores 10-17 µm.

Trunks and branches of trees, dry, calcareous or granitic rock along streams; moderate to high elevations (300-3000 m); Alta., B.C., Man., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), Nunavut, Ont., Que., Yukon; Ariz., Calif., Colo., Mich., Minn., Mont., Nev., S.Dak., Utah; Mexico (Nuevo León); Europe.

Variety pallens has entire leaf margins, 16 endostome segments, and a naked calyptra.