English name: Springy turf-moss
A distinctive pleurocarpous moss that forms long shoots from which the leaves are bend back at a right angle and in all directions, giving the shoot a starlike appearance if seen from above. The leaf base sheathes the red stem.
In Scotland, Rhytidiadelpus squarrosus is widespread in unimproved or semi-improved grassland, heathland and flushes. BBS distribution map
Look out for Brachythecium rutabulum, Calliergonella cuspidata, Kindbergia praelonga and Pseudoscleropodium purum nearby.
Confusion species: Rhytidiadelphus loreus
scottishlichens.co.uk 