Distal leaves short-subulate beyond an ovate or obovate base, 1-1.8 mm, leaf base strongly differentiated in shape; distal laminal cells short-rectangular. Sexual condition autoicous. Seta 0.3-0.7 mm. Capsule neck short, obovate. Spores pitted. Calyptra smooth.

Capsules mature early spring. Soil, sandy loam, commonly surrounding quartz pebbles; usually low but occasionally moderate elevations; Ala., Ariz., Ga., Kans., N.C., Ohio, S.C., Tex.