*1: Sunset Wood, Kea
near Truro,
1839, EAW (TRU) (Paton 1969a:
756).
*2: Dunmere valley,
Bodmin, 1871, RVT (B) (Paton 1969a:
756).
A robust moss that often forms extensive pure
patches (tall lawns), or grows intermixed with other tall
bryophytes or low herbs and grasses. Notes on habitats in
C&S are as follows. Its presence often (not always) hints
at good nutrient-rich soil with at least moderate base
content, whereas R. loreus is much more
strictly acidophile. Occurs on soil, plant-litter, less often
gravel (e.g. on graves) or sand, in light to moderate shade
(occasionally in heavy shade) or in open insolated places.
Often common in deciduous and mixed woodlands (especially on
banks or slopes) and at woodland edges, occasional under
mature conifers. In woodland this species can grow on flat
ground by pushing its erect shoots through the accumulated
leaf-litter, whereas R. loreus is mainly
confined to steep slopes and rocks that do not accumulate
leaf-litter.
Other habitats include heathy banks, rocky and
heathy slopes (e.g. near tors), short grassland, laneside
banks, cemeteries and churchyards, disused quarries, also
occasionally on 'hedges'. At Gear Sands and Penhale Sands
locally plentiful and locally dominant on calcareous sand of
some damp, mainly N.- or E.-facing slopes in fixed dunes or
dune grassland. Several records near buildings and ruins on
old metalliferous mine areas and found twice on slopes over
old china clay spoil. Unusual records include a few stems
clinging to rock of a gravestone, near plentiful growth of the
species on soil.
Recorded associates include Cirriphyllum
piliferum, Kindbergia
praelonga,
Eurhynchium striatum, Rhytidiadelphus
loreus,
Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, Pseudoscleropodium
purum, Thuidium
tamariscinum, and varied grasses and herbs. Occurs with or
under Ammophila
arenaria locally on dunes.
Not seen c.fr.