This genus may be recognized by having capsules borne terminally on main stems (acrocarpous) and having leaves that are lance-like and acute, with teeth on the margins near the leaf apex.

The the field, Pohlia can easily be mistaken for members of the Bryaceae due to the similar looking pendant capsules. Indeed, the Mniaceae was previously classified under the Bryaceae until recently. However, unlike the Bryaceae, Pohlia mostly have lance-like leaves with the nerve of most species failing below the leaf apex. Also, Pohlia has longer leaf cells that do not form a distinct border as seen in many Bryaceae.