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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Lycopodium digitatum Dill. ex A. Braun
Fan clubmoss, Running cedar, Ground pine
Lycopodiaceae (Club-Moss Family)
Synonyms: Diphasiastrum digitatum, Lycopodium flabelliforme
USDA Symbol: LYDI3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Though its foliage looks like that of a coniferous plant like pine or juniper, Lycopodium digitatum is in fact a clubmoss, a relative of ferns, with spores instead of seeds. Its cedar-like appearance, low growth, evergreen leaves, and spreading habit make it ideal for the well-drained eastern woodland landscape. Once established, it spreads quickly by stems that lie just at the surface of the soil.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: 5 to 10 inches high
Leaf: Dark green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Notes: This is a non-flowering plant that reproduces by spores.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MN , MO , NC , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , WI , WVCanada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: Eastern North America from Quebec to Alabama, Zones 4 to 7
Native Habitat: Dry, well-drained woodlands and pine forests
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Drought Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained, acidic, rich or poor soils.
Conditions Comments: Prefers dry conditions but tolerates some moisture.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A good evergreen groundcover for shade in eastern North AmericaUse Wildlife: Winter browse
Use Other: Formerly gathered for Christmas decorations, but deforestation made it too rare to be used.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Bibliography
Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Lycopodium digitatum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lycopodium digitatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lycopodium digitatum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-02-12Research By:
