Hooded Bristle-moss - Orthotrichum cupulatum

Orthotrichum cupulatum can only be reliably identified when capsules are present, ideally when they are fresh in spring, but it can be done with older capsules. If no capsules are present it is too easy to confuse with non-fertile O. anomalum (Anomalous Bristle-moss). The capsules are about 2mm long and appear to nestle into the leaves as the pale green/brown setae are only 1-1.5mm long. The pale green/brown calyptra is either hairless or sparsely hairy and the unripe capsule beneath a pale green that contrasts strongly with the darker leaves. The stomata on the capsules are immersed. Ripe capsules are mid-brown and become furrowed with age. The shoots are up to 2cm long and leaves 3.5-4mm.

This is one of just two species in the genus that grow commonly on rocks and masonry in VC55, the other being O. anomalum which has longer reddish setae.

O. affine (Wood Bristle-moss) is a very similar moss and can sometimes grow on rocks. Microscopic examination is necessary to confirm the immersed stomata on the sporophytes of O. cupulatum, those of O. affine being superficial.

O. diaphanum (White-tipped Bristle-moss) sometimes grows on masonry and concrete, but is easily separated from other species in the genus.

O. rupestre (Rock Bristle-moss) grows mainly on rocks, but has a strongly northern and western distribution and hasn't been found in VC55.

Microscopic examination of the immersed stomata is required for confirmed records.

O. cupulatum can be found on basic rock, walls or concrete and tends to prefer slightly damper habitats than O. anomalum.

Present throughout the year but only identifiable when capsules are present.

Occasional to frequent.

Dennis Ballard's 'Leicestershire Bryophyte Flora' (2004) lists this moss as rare but it is probably under-recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.