Description: Erect, essentially unbranched, acrocarpous moss, in dense green clusters. Stems 1 - 4 cm (to 1.6 in.) high. Leaves very contorted, individually twisted in all directions when dry. Leaf margins not recurved; leaf cells with cuticular thickenings on the surface. Sporangium (fruiting structure) suberect to erect, with a peristome (fringe of teeth).
Habitat: On fallen tree logs, mostly along cracks of tree bark. The Lee Canyon population occurs in mixed conifer and pinyon-juniper habitats at 1,460 m (4,790 ft.) elevation.
Range: Commonly known from the Pacific Northwest and Utah. In Clark County, Nevada, known from the Spring Mountains in Lee Canyon, and along the Griffith Peak and Charleston Peak ridgeline. These sites represent the southernmost populations of the species.
Comments: Distinguishing features of this erect and essentially unbranched moss are the very contorted leaves that are individually twisted in all directions when dry, and the suberect to erect sporangium that have a peristome.