Species description:
Genus name is derived from the broad perforations in the ladder-like, inner-peristome teeth. Species name describing the tree­like form of the plants.

Reproduction:
Sporophytes infrequent except in floodplain areas where they are sometimes locally abundant in late winter and early spring; red-brown throughout.

Distinguishing characteristics:
The miniature, tree-like plants that arise from a creeping stem are highly characteristic.

Habit:
Forming loose, tall turfs of miniature trees that arise from creeping shoots; dark green to light green with reddish-brown stems. Habitat: Terrestrial or on logs (rarely on rock), in wet to marshy habi­tats, most luxuriant in areas subject to periodic flooding, from sea level to subalpine elevations; relatively widespread bur not common.

Similar Species:
Although Leucolepis acanthoneuron has miniature tree­like plants, these do not arise from a creeping shoot. The leaves of the main stem of L. acanthoneura are whitish and narrowly triangular while those of Climacium are heart-shaped and green. Sporophytes of Leucolepis are frequent in spring and sporangia are nodding, compared to the erect sporangia of Climacium.

If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.

Illustration Source:  Some Common Mosses of BC