Leaves dense, hiding the stem, long-lanceolate to linear-elliptical and commonly weakly constricted beyond the short-sheathing base, (1-)1.5-1.8(-2) mm; apex narrowly acute to acuminate, occasionally blunt, apiculus narrowly triangular; margins 1-stratose; costa regularly excurrent into a short or long, stout mucro of several cells. Specialized asexual reproduction absent. Sporophytes absent in range of flora.

Calcareous and noncalcareus rock, wet areas, spray of falls; moderate elevations (300-900 m); N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Tenn.; e, c Asia.