![img_4659.jpg](https://drylandmoss.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_4659-e1507606425688.jpg?w=486&h=549)
Dry Syntrichia caninervis stems under dissecting scope. PHOTO: T. Clark
![img_4662.jpg](https://drylandmoss.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/img_4662-e1507606455902.jpg?w=3024&h=3172)
Hydrated Syntrichia caninervis stemunder dissecting microscope. PHOTO: T. Clark
![ImageJ=1.45eunit=mm](https://drylandmoss.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/fig-15f-syntrichia-caninervis.jpg?w=455&h=578)
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
![Syncan seedling](https://drylandmoss.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/syncan-seedling.png?w=788&h=277)
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
![Fig 2a. Soil Crust](https://drylandmoss.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/fig-2a-soil-crust.jpg?w=438&h=657)
Dry biocrust community with large dominant cushions of S. caninervis (black). Grand Staircase National Monument, UT. PHOTO: T. Clark