Stem leaves strongly appressed when dry, linear-lanceolate, base broadened, ovate to oblong; costa long-excurrent, sharp; proximal cells short-rectangular; distal laminal cells smooth, quadrate to short-rectangular, with quadrate to short-rectangular lumens, distal lamina 1-stratose; gemmae absent. Peristome not seen.

Limestone outcrops, dry tundra; 1220 m; N.W.T.; Asia (China), Atlantic Islands (Iceland).

The var. ditrichoides is a highly reduced, flagellate form of the var. icmadophilus but with a distinctive appearance. It is disjunct from montane China (P. C. Chen 1941) to a single locality in the range of the flora (N.W.T., Mackenzie Distr., Nahanni Range, 61º43'N, 123º20'W, D. Vitt, 1977, BUF). The olive coloration and general appearance is similar to D. leskeoides but the plant is somewhat smaller and the alar auricles are lacking.