This robust (shoots often 15 to 20 cm long), irregularly pinnate, spreading moss has a red stem. The leaves are approximately 3 mm long and have a broad, oval base, which narrows to a long, tapering tip. The leaves are broadly spreading and curved, and all point more or less in the same direction. The leaf has lightly toothed margins and a short, double nerve. The surface is pleated. Fertile stems are not uncommon, and the 2 mm long, curved capsule is borne on a red seta about 3 cm long.

Occurs in acidic woods and in acidic grassland and on heathy slopes.

All year round.

R. loreus is common in acidic woods in upland districts, where it forms conspicuous stands. It also occurs in acidic grassland and on heathy slopes in the mountains of western Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.