Dry Syntrichia caninervis stems under dissecting scope. PHOTO: T. Clark

Hydrated Syntrichia caninervis stemunder dissecting microscope. PHOTO: T. Clark

Dry stem under dissecting microscope. Field characters for ID include vertically oriented leaves (appressed)  and “white dusting” on the back of the leaves on the midveins (costa).  PHOTO: J.Brinda

Micro-hills of Syntrichia caninervis amidst a reddish sandstone soil. One pine seeding taking root illustrates one role of soil crust in helping some vascular plant seedlings establish! PHOTO: K. Deane-Coe

Dry biocrust community with large dominant cushions of S. caninervis (black). Grand Staircase National Monument, UT. PHOTO: T. Clark