Bluish Spikemoss: California’s Unique Ground-Hugging Native
Meet bluish spikemoss (Selaginella asprella), one of California’s most distinctive native ground covers. This isn’t your typical garden plant – it’s actually a fascinating spikemoss that’s closer to ferns than to flowering plants, and it brings a touch of prehistoric charm to specialized gardens.
What Exactly Is Bluish Spikemoss?
Bluish spikemoss belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycopods, which have been around for hundreds of millions of years. Unlike the flowering plants we’re used to, this perennial doesn’t produce flowers or seeds. Instead, it reproduces through spores, much like ferns and mosses do. Despite its common name, it’s not actually a true moss – it’s a vascular plant with tiny, scale-like leaves that give it a moss-like appearance.
The bluish in its name comes from its distinctive blue-green to grayish-blue coloration, which sets it apart from other ground covers and gives it an almost ethereal quality in the right light.
Where Does It Call Home?
This California native is endemic to the Golden State, where it grows naturally in desert and semi-arid regions. You’ll find it tucked into rocky crevices and sandy soils throughout its native range, forming dense, low-growing mats that hug the ground.
Is Bluish Spikemoss Good for Your Garden?
Whether bluish spikemoss is right for your garden depends on what you’re looking for and your growing conditions. Here’s the honest truth about this unique native:
The Benefits:
- Extremely drought-tolerant once established
- Unique prehistoric appearance adds conversation value
- Native plant that supports local ecosystems
- Low-maintenance ground cover for specialized areas
- Excellent for rock gardens and xeriscaping projects
The Challenges:
- Very specific growing requirements
- Not widely available in nurseries
- Slow-growing and may take time to establish
- Limited visual impact compared to flowering plants
- Requires excellent drainage to prevent rot
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re intrigued by this unusual native and want to give it a try, bluish spikemoss thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10. It’s perfectly adapted to California’s Mediterranean climate but can be quite particular about its needs:
- Soil: Well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil is essential – think desert conditions
- Water: Minimal watering once established; overwatering is the quickest way to kill it
- Light: Partial shade to full sun, though some protection during the hottest part of the day can be beneficial
- Placement: Rock gardens, crevices between stones, or specialized native plant areas
How to Identify Bluish Spikemoss
Recognizing bluish spikemoss in the wild or in cultivation is fairly straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Forms dense, cushion-like mats close to the ground
- Distinctive blue-green to grayish-blue coloration
- Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping patterns
- No flowers – instead produces small cone-like structures containing spores
- Typically grows 2-4 inches tall and spreads slowly outward
The Bottom Line
Bluish spikemoss isn’t for every gardener or every garden, but for those interested in California’s unique native flora or specializing in drought-tolerant, low-water landscapes, it offers something truly special. This ancient plant brings a piece of prehistoric California to modern gardens, connecting us to the deep history of our landscape.
If you’re considering adding bluish spikemoss to your collection, be prepared for a slow-growing but fascinating plant that rewards patience with its unique beauty and ecological significance. Just remember – excellent drainage is non-negotiable, and less is definitely more when it comes to watering this California native.
