Leskea complanata Hedwig, Sp. Musc. Frond., 231. 1801

Plants 3.5-4 cm. Stems with branches common, attenuate, flagelliform; paraphyllia present, rare. Stem leaves (central) oblong, flat, 2.5-3 × 1.2-1.5 mm; margins entire proximally, slightly serrulate in apex; apex rounded-apiculate; costa double, short; alar cells oblong to short-quadrate; basal laminal cells linear to irregularly rectangular, 5-10 × 1-2 µm; distal medial cells long-rhomboidal, 24-60 × 4-6 µm; apical cells irregularly rhomboidal, 13-18(-24) × 4-6 µm. Sexual condition dioicous. Seta 0.7-1.2 cm. Capsule exserted.

Trunks of trees, humus, cliffs, overhanging ledges, shaded vertical sandstone, limestone boulders, wet rock of mixed forests; low to moderate elevations (100-500 m); N.B., Nfld. and Labr., N.S., Ont.; Ala., Ark., Colo., Ga., Maine, Mass., N.Y., N.C., Pa., Tenn., Va.; Europe; Asia (China).

Neckera complanata is distinguished by the apiculate apex and flat leaves. The basal laminal cells are slightly pitted.