Distal leaves lanceolate to long-lanceolate or subulate, 0.7-3 mm, leaf base ovate to oblong; distal laminal cells long-rectangular. Sexual condition autoicous. Seta 1.5-5.5 mm. Capsule neck long-tapering and nearly cylindric. Spores warty (irregularly papillose in groups). Calyptra smooth.

Capsules mature summer. Soil; moderate to high elevations; Calif., Oreg.

Bruchia bolanderi has an elongate capsule neck that is reminiscent of that of Trematodon, but the capsule is cleistocarpic. Unlike in other species of the genus, the capsules of both B. bolanderi and B. vogesiaca have a weak but not functioning line of dehiscence where a capsule mouth might be.