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meadow spikemoss

Scientific Name: Selaginella apoda

Family: Selaginellaceae

Category: Lycopod

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: IN (meadow spike-moss), ME (creeping spike-moss)

       

Meadow Spike-moss (Selaginella apoda)

Selaginella apoda, commonly known as meadow spike-moss, is a fascinating plant with unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant forms dense mats and might be tempting for pets to chew or play with.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant forms dense mats and might be tempting for children to play with.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Selaginella apoda (L.) Spring
  • Common Name: Meadow spike-moss
  • Family: Selaginellaceae (the only family in its order)
  • Synonyms:
    • Lycopodium apodum
    • Diplostachyum apodum
    • Lycopodioides apoda
    • Selaginella apus
  • Related ITIS Name: Selaginella apoda (L.) Spring (TSN 17066)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to much of the eastern United States and parts of northeastern Mexico.
  • Also found in west Texas to Arizona and Sonora, Mexico (Selaginella arizonica).
  • Grows in seepages, bogs, on spray cliffs, stream margins, wet meadows, marsh edges, and wet spots in lawns.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Forms dense mats.
  • Especially suited to moist (but not sodden) tropical vivaria.
  • Thrives under medium to high lighting.
  • It is a lycophyte, a fern relative, and looks like a moss.