Plants clustered in loose to compact tufts, black or brown with age. Stems ca. 4-10 cm; 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.

Species 3 (2 species in the flora); n Asia, nw North America, and temperate South America (S. patagonica).

Lower Taxa

• Scouleria aquatica Hooker
• Scouleria marginata E. Britton

Related Synonym(s):

• Scouleria muelleri Kindberg = Scouleria aquatica Hooker