M. tenue ssp. tenue is a weft forming or creeping epiphytic moss of trees and large shrubs in woodlands and forest. A prostrate or creeping main stem bears erect short erect stems. The leaves are triangular with a strong nerve that reaches to the leaf apex.  

M. tenue ssp. tenue resembles species of Macromitrium and was placed under that genus until recently. Unlike Macromitrium however, the leaves of M. tenue are not crisped or curled when dry.