Stems to 2 cm, sclerodermis present. Leaves long-lanceolate, 3--4 mm, proximal shoulders denticulate by projecting corners of marginal cells, apex subulate; leaf base much widened, ovate-rectangular, sheathing the stem; costa excurrent as a mucro, semilunar in section at midleaf, guide cells 4--9; distal laminal cells often longitudinally elongate medially, 1--2:1, rarely 2-stratose in patches.

Mesic, quartzitic-slatey outcrops; 120 m; known (R. H. Zander 1979) from only one site in the area of the flora in s Alaska (Valdez Area, Chugach Mts., between Delta Junction and Valdez, Keystone Canyon, alongside Hyw. 4, near Bridal Veil Falls); c Europe; Asia; n Africa.

This distinctive species is the largest of the genus, with stems reaching several centimeters in European specimens seen, and perichaetial leaves to 3 mm. The Alaskan material lacked sporophytes but had lateral perichaetia. Worldwide, the species is disjunctive between mountainous areas with high annual precipitation in temperate climates.