Claopodium crispifolium

The generic name, Claopodium, refers to "breaking off at the foot" while the specific name, crispifolium, refers to curling of the leaves when the plants becomes dry.[3]

This species of moss is native to North America and is commonly found along the western coast of the continent.[2] Although, there has been observed occurrences of the species in Japan, western Russia and China.[4] In Canada, the species has been observed in British Columbia and Alberta. In the U.S, the species has been observed in the following states: Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.[2]

Claopodium crispifolium is commonly found growing epiphytic on trees but can also be seen growing on boulder,cliffs and fallen logs. This particular species is rarely seen growing terrestrial. It prefers to grow in shaded,moist environments and usually at elevations near sea level.[3]

Claopodium crispifolium displays pleurocarpous growth. It's shoots generally have a yellow-green to a bright green colour and forms a moderately thick mat over the substratum.[5] The leaves and shoots are rather dull and not glossy. The tips of the shoots and branches tend to be a lighter shade than the older, proximal parts of the plant.[5] The branches of the plant are pinnately organized and are regularly branched on a single plane.[6]

The plant is classified as dioecous.[6] Sporophytes will be abundant in late winter but will typically mature in early spring[5][3] After maturity, the sporangia will be approximately 1.5–3 mm in length and develop a red-brown colour with a dull looking operculum. The operculum is long snouted and can be labelled as a rostrum.[5] The mature sporangium will also have two rows of peristome teeth (exostome and endostome). The exostome teeth are lance-shaped and bordered with multiple ridges and papillae. The endostome teeth are described as "cilia knobby".[6] The seta is red-brown in colour, 10-20mm tall and very rough. The seta is also papilose.[5] The seta of this species is a defining morphological characteristic when trying to determine its identity.

Claopodium crispifolium is not considered an endangered species and as of 4/2/1992, it is globally ranked as G4 (apparently secure).[2] In Canada, the species is declared N4N5 which means it is nationally ranked as "apparently secure" and "secure". In British Columbia, it is declared S4S5.[2]

Claopodium crispifolium can sometimes be mistaken for Claopodium bolanderi. These two species share many similar morphological features but C. bolanderi will usually be found at higher elevations and the leaf cells in C. bolanderi contains multiple papillae per cell while C. crispifolium have only a single papilla in their leaf cells.[3][6][5]