Shoots are typically a deep green, sometimes yellowish, and grow in flat or short patches or tufts, usually less than 1 cm (but sometimes about 2 cm) in length. The shoots are never densely packed. The leaves are long (2.5 mm), narrow, with wavy, or notched, plain margins, and some may have lost the tip. Capsules are not known.

It grows on base-rich, sheltered stones and walls in lowland woods and by streams and rivers. It occasionally occurs on paving slabs and concrete. It may also be found growing on gravestones in sheltered parts of churchyards.

All year round.

Widespread in much of England and Wales.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.