Stems 0.4-0.8 cm. Leaves 1-2.2 mm, apex rounded-obtuse to obtusely acute, occasionally truncate; leaf margins mostly plane at base, rarely some leaves recurved, prominently papillose near insertion, margins of leaf apex strongly papillose but without teeth; laminal cells at margins strongly papillose by projecting distal cell ends to within 6-10 cells of the insertion; median leaf cells with horned (sometimes branched) papillae on both surfaces; costal cells adaxially quadrate or short-rectangular (1-2:1), papillose, scarcely different from adjacent laminal cells. Specialized asexual reproduction unknown. Sexual condition autoicous, perigonium located just below the perichaetium. Seta 4-8 mm. Capsule 1-1.4 mm, strumose, irregularly furrowed when dry. Spores 10-15 µm. Capsules mature summer-fall (Jul-Oct). Wet soil or soil over rock, montane areas, especially associated with melting snow; moderate to high elevations (1000-2200 m); Alta., B.C.; Calif., Idaho, Mont., Wash.