Orthothecium hyalopiliferum is morphologically distinct at the species level from O. intricatum on the basis of its silky soft appearance, the presence of very narrow lanceolate leaves with a leaf tip to leaf base ratio of 1:2 or less; and piliferous leaf tips that end in 3–6 single cells. Orthothecium hyalopiliferum is presently known only from the Chinese provinces of Guizhou, Sichuan, and Yunnan.