The upper leaves of D. vinealis are 1 to 3 mm long and bright yellow-green; lower leaves are brown. Shoots usually form dense turfs, 0.5 to 2 cm tall, but may grow in dense cushions. The leaves twist slightly when dry, and become appressed to the stems. Capsules are rare in spring and summer.

On dry walls and unshaded, base-rich rock, D. vinealis usually favours stone, but occasionally occurs on hard or stony, calcareous ground and in short, dry turf. It may also grow on roof-tiles and concrete.

All year round.

Widespread and locally frequent, but with fewer records further north.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.