Series: Belgian bryophyta

Ceratodon purpureus (NL: Gewoon purpersteeltje / EN: Redshank / DE: Purpurstielige Hornzahnmoos / FR: ?) is one of our commonest and most cosmopolitan mosses, occurring on a wide variety of acidic, well-drained substrates, particularly peaty or sandy soil. It is frequent in heathland and acidic grassland, on walls and roofs, and can be particularly abundant on fire sites. It also occurs in more exotic places ranging from bird perches on rocks or fence posts, to old bones and old boots. This very common and very variable species forms cushions or patches which vary
from yellow to mid-green through red to purplish-brown, with shoots to 3 cm. Capsules are common, red-brown, inclined when mature, swollen at the base and strongly furrowed when dry. The setae are distinctively purple-red.
(info on the species based on: "Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide" published by the British Bryological Society)

Image: Wijnegem (B) - 16/03/2012