Lepidozia ceratophylla Mitten, J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 5: 128. 1861

Plants absent distinctive odor when dry, distal portion of leafy shoot readily caducous. Stems in cross section with 2 layers of thicker walled epidermal cells, stoloniferous stems mainly subterranean. Leaves typically of thick-walled cells, in 4 segments, connate at base, cross section of each segment with 3-5 inner cells and 10-15 smaller outer epidermal cells, outer cells small, 25 × 10 µm, regularly arranged. Slime hairs thick-walled. Sporophytes infrequent. Capsule terminal, usually single.

Capsules mature late summer-early fall (Jul-Sep). Uncommon to rare on moist soils and shaded banks, slopes and over rocks in tundra; low to moderate elevations (70-700 m); Alaska; Asia (China in Yunnan, India in Sikkim, Nepal).

Takakia ceratophylla appears to be somewhat tolerant of desiccation. Frequently it grows with other drought-tolerant bryophytes such as Andreaea and Gymnomitrion. The shoots are more rigid than those of T. lepidozioides, and leaf arrangement is more regular. Rhizomatous shoots are predominantly subterranean.