T. tortuosa grows in yellow-green tufts or turfs several centimetres in depth. When moist, the long (up to 6 or 7 mm), narrow leaves have wavy margins. When dry, the leaves shrivel into a distinctive, contorted spiral. Pulling off a few leaves reveals the abrupt V-shaped transition between the colourless basal cells and the upper cells, visible through a hand lens.

Images included on this page show specimens that have not been identified to species level and are intended for illustrative purposes only

This species has a red ID rating and unless identified by a known expert you must provide a satisfactory explanation of how it was identified for the record to be accepted.

Favouring chalk and limestone districts, but also growing on base rich sandstone and calcareous dune sand. T. tortuosa may be found as tufts on boulders, limestone walls, scree or limestone pavement, as larger patches on cliffs or in gorges, or forming turfs in calcareous or dune grassland.

All year round.

Widespread in Britain, but more common in the north and west.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.