Ulota crispa is distributed from Newfoundland west to Minnesota and south in the Appalachians to northern Georgia, and is not known west of the Mississippi River. The most common species of the genus, U. crispa is easily distinguished by crisped leaves (when dry), capsules contracted below the mouth, and a reflexed and well-developed peristome. Although variable in size, U. crispa is smaller than the western U. obtusiuscula and has shorter capsules. Ulota crispa also has flexuose, less reflexed exostome teeth.