There are four similar Zygodon species and they are difficult to reliably distinguish from each other without checking under a microscope. They all form small (usually up to 1 cm tall), light green tufts and patches. The shortly pointed leaves are held at a wide angle from the stem when moist, giving the plants a characteristically neat appearance. Dry leaves become lightly twisted and appressed to the stem, considerably altering the appearance of shoots. Leaves are typically 1.5 to 2 mm long, nerved, widest near the middle, and narrow rather abruptly at the tip. Gemmae are normally produced amongst the leaf axils, but only become discernible under a microscope. Capsules are infrequent in Zygodon viridissimus, they are pale yellowish-brown, egg-shaped, borne on a seta 6 to 10 mm long, and produced in spring and summer.

To identify Zygodon to species level it is necessary to look at their gemmae with a microscope. If possible submit an image of the gemmae under magnification.

Grows on the wood of various broad-leaved trees.

All year round.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.