Capsule commonly wide-mouthed when dehisced, with a single row of thickened cells below mouth; peristome absent. Spores spiculose (finely spinose) and large (31-39 µm.).
Capsules mature late summer to early winter (Sept-Nov). Bare soil, vacant lots, fields; low to moderate elevations; Ont.; Mich., N.Y.; Europe; sw Asia; n Africa; Pacific Islands (New Zealand).
In var. davallianum the spines of the spores are 2-2.5 µm. Distal laminal papillae are hollow or occasionally solid, ca. 2 per lumen, usually simple but in some specimens (e.g., Ontario, Bruce County, C. Williams 1200, CANM) mostly 2-fid and hollow (with a distinct saddle between the projections) and distinctly C-shaped in optical section.
: Distal laminal cells weakly convex superficially, adaxial surface of costa not mammillose. Seta: elongate. Capsule: cylindrical, stegocarpous but never cleistocarpous. Spores: granulose, low-papillose or spiculose, large, 28–39 µm. North America, Mexico, Europe, sw Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands (New Zealand).