Cells of the mid-limb lamina (6-)7-10(-12) µm wide (mean 8.5 µm); cells of distal part of leaf sheath non-papillose on abaxial surface (rarely papillose in non-North American specimens). Calyptra not persistent on seta. Often with sporophytes. Most often in mesic, calcareous, open or well-vegetated Arctic-montane sites, or in nutrient-rich sites such as the bases of cliffs or around large boulders; low to high elevations (0-3000 m); Greenland; Alta., B.C., Man., N.W.T., Nunavut, Ont., Que., Sask., Yukon; Alaska, Ariz., Colo., Idaho, Mont., Nev., N.Mex., Utah, Wyo.; Mexico; Eurasia (Caucasus, China, n, c Europe, Greece, India, Japan); n Africa (Algeria); Atlantic Islands (Iceland); Pacific Islands (Hawaii).