Stair-step moss is a green or yellowish brown moss species. Its growth form is layered because the new sprout grows over the sprout of last year. Stair-step moss forms solid moss carpets on the forest floor together with the red-stemmed feathermoss (Pleurozium schreberi).

The stair-step moss is one of the most common moss species of heath forests and grows on the ground, rocks and deadwood. The species grows most abundantly in mesic heath forests but also occurs in sub-xeric and herb-rich heath forests. It can be found throughout the coniferous zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

Stair-step moss is intolerant of excessive heat and the species is sensitive to air pollutants. As many other moss species, stair-step moss can be considered a bio-indicator of the health of its environment. At one time stair-step moss was used to cover dirt floors and to fill gaps between logs in log cabins.

As a common species of our forests, stair-step moss requires no conservation to secure its occurrence.