Creeping Fingerwort - Lepidozia reptans

Forms thin mats of pinnately branched, creeping plants. Shoots are 2 to 3 cm long by 1 mm wide. Colour varies from yellowish green to dark green, with characteristic, hand shaped leaves with 4 fingers at the tip curving down towards the substrate. Leaves are about 0.5 mm long. The long perianths of this monoicous species are prominent, but sporophytes are not seen so often.

To be found on various acidic substrates including rotting logs, soft rock faces, oak (Quercus), birch (Betula) and conifer bark, as well as steep, peaty banks. It may also be found in block scree or on heathery, rock strewn hillsides.

All year.

Common.

Uncommon.