Aulacomnium palustre forms tufts 3 to12 cm tall, with pale yellow-green leaves that contrast strongly with the ginger-brown, felt-like rhizoids which cover the stem. Shoots occasionally terminate in an elongated stalk with a terminal cluster of gemmae. When dry, the leaves become somewhat crisped and twisted. The leaves are 4 to 6 mm long near the top of the shoot, but shorter below, spearhead-shaped, shortly pointed, matt and pale yellow-green. Curved, furrowed capsules 2.5 mm long are produced occasionally.

Growing mainly in bogs and wet heaths, often forming substantial tufts or extensive carpets, especially on drier Sphagnum hummocks. Oddly, it has also been recorded in chalk grassland and woodland glades, and even occasionally on road verges.

All year round.

Widespread and fairly frequent in suitable areas of Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.