Stems with branches short to elongate, simple. Leaves wide-spreading when moist, 0.8-1.2 mm; apex broadly acute; costa ending mid leaf or in base of acumen, laterally spurred, tip ± 2-fid. Perichaetia with inner leaves 1.6-1.9 mm, awn usually distinct, denticulate, 1/5-1/4 length expanded portion of leaf. Capsule with peristome double; exostome teeth single; endostome segments linear (slender). Calyptra broadly conic. Spores smooth or papillose.

Capsules mature Sep-Jun. Twigs, branches, trunks of shrubs and trees, logs, rock, humid forests; low to moderate elevations (0-1000 m); Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., Fla., Ga., Ky., La., Md., Mass., Miss., Mo., N.J., N.C., Ohio, Okla., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Va.

Cryphaea glomerata often grows mixed with C. nervosa; the two can be easily distinguished under low magnification by the more narrowly pointed and plicate-appearing leaves of C. nervosa. The ranges of C. glomerata and the subtropical C. filiformis overlap in southern Florida. Cryphaea glomerata is similar to, and often occurs with, C. ravenelii, which is easily distinguished by its blunt leaf apex.