The short (less than 1 mm), bluntly pointed leaves of Seligeria calcarea are its most distinctive feature. It is a minute (shoots up to 2 mm tall) species growing in thin, bristly mats. Capsules are common, with a relatively large, egg-shaped capsule held well clear of the leaves on a short, straight seta. The capsule has a peristome.

Shaded chalk faces and stones, especially in chalk pits. Occasionally on oolitic limestone.

All year round.

Mainly found in south eastern Britain.

Rare or rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland