Lycopodium digitatum

Diphasiastrum digitatum is known as groundcedar, running cedar or crowsfoot, along with other members of its genus, but the common name fan clubmoss can be used to refer to it specifically. It is the most common species of Diphasiastrum in North America. It is a type of plant known as a clubmoss, which is within one of the three main divisions of living vascular plants. It was formerly included in the superspecies Diphasiastrum complanatum. For many years, this species was known as Lycopodium flabelliforme or Lycopodium digitatum. Its common name is due to its resemblance to cedar boughs lying on the ground. Its leaves are scale-like and appressed, like a mature cedar, and it is glossy and evergreen. It normally grows to a height of about four inches (10 cm), with the spore-bearing strobili held higher. This plant was once widely harvested and sold as Christmas greenery, and populations were widely depleted for this reason. However, it has recovered throughout its range, and makes large clonal colonies, carpeting the forest floor. It prefers disturbed areas and coniferous forests, where it can form dense monocultures. The subterranean, brown gametophytes may live for years in the soil before developing vegetative shoots. According to expert sources its range is in the higher Appalachian mountains northward, and its range ends in northern Georgia and Alabama, but isolated stands have sprung up elsewhere. In the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, the plant is known locally as "Bear's Paw." This species was also once one of the principal clubmoss species used for collection of Lycopodium powder, used as a primitive flashpowder. Diphasiastrum digitatum is the accepted synonym of Lycopodium digitatum. Diphasiastrum digitatum, is also known commonly as Southern Ground Cedar, Fan Clubmoss, Running Pine, and Running Ground Cedar. Diphasiastrum digitatum lacks flowers or seed and is classified as a Lycopod. They are commonly found in North America with a perennial life cycle and a sporulating season from July to October.

🌳 Fan clubmoss has taken an unusual role in human celebrations, especially at Christmas, because it resembles the better-known ground pines. While it is not a widely sold commercial item, it may be gathered locally for decoration, its delicate, fan-shaped sprigs lending a wild, natural look to holiday decor. That practice remains uncommon, and fan clubmoss could be investigated for new applications, for example as a bioindicator because of its sensitivity to air pollutants.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Fern

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Lycopodium

Family

Lycopodiaceae

Hardiness Zone

4-7

Mature Height

13 cm to 25 cm

Mature Spread

15 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Evergreen

Flower Color

Green, Yellow, Brown

Bloom Time

Summer

Planting Time

Spring, Summer, Autumn

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (4)

Common Names (2)