alpine candle snuffer moss

Encalypta alpina is a member of the genus Encalypta, which is characterized by its distinctive capsule structures. The species is distributed across northern regions of North America, particularly in Labrador, Québec, and in the southeastern and northeastern parts of the United States. It belongs to the Encalyptaceae family, a group of mosses commonly found in moist, temperate environments. The species name 'alpina' suggests a preference for alpine or high-altitude habitats. Encalypta alpina is one of several species within the genus that are adapted to cooler climates and are often found in boreal and subarctic regions.