Bluntleaf Spikemoss: A Unique Native Ground Cover for Southwestern Gardens
Meet the bluntleaf spikemoss (Selaginella mutica var. limitanea), a fascinating little plant that’s neither moss nor fern, but something wonderfully in between! This native spikemoss might just be the perfect solution for gardeners looking to add texture and year-round green coverage to challenging spots in their southwestern landscapes.
What Exactly Is Bluntleaf Spikemoss?
Despite its common name, bluntleaf spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all. It’s a spikemoss, which belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycopods. These prehistoric survivors have been around for hundreds of millions of years, making them living fossils in your garden! Spikemosses are perennial plants that form low, creeping mats with tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like shingles on a roof.
The bluntleaf part of its name comes from the rounded tips of its small leaves, which help distinguish it from other spikemoss species. You might also see it listed under its synonym, Selaginella mutica var. texana, in some older gardening references.
Where Does It Call Home?
This charming native is perfectly at home in the American Southwest, naturally occurring in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. It’s adapted to the challenging conditions of this region, making it an excellent choice for gardeners working with similar climates and conditions.
Why Consider Bluntleaf Spikemoss for Your Garden?
Here are some compelling reasons this unique plant might earn a spot in your landscape:
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal water
- Year-round interest: Provides evergreen coverage throughout the seasons
- Low maintenance: Rarely needs attention once settled in
- Native benefits: Supports local ecosystem health
- Unique texture: Adds fine, delicate texture that contrasts beautifully with larger plants
Perfect Spots for Spikemoss
Bluntleaf spikemoss shines in specific garden situations:
- Rock gardens: Tucks perfectly between stones and boulders
- Desert landscapes: Provides soft ground cover among cacti and succulents
- Difficult slopes: Helps prevent erosion on challenging terrain
- Shaded dry spots: Thrives where grass struggles
Growing Conditions and Care
This southwestern native is surprisingly adaptable but has some preferences:
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (appreciates some afternoon shade in hottest climates)
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – soggy conditions will kill it
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional deep watering
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 7-10
How to Identify Bluntleaf Spikemoss
Look for these identifying features:
- Low-growing, mat-forming habit (typically under 6 inches tall)
- Tiny, scale-like leaves with blunt tips
- Leaves arranged in overlapping rows along branching stems
- Green to blue-green coloration
- May produce small, cone-like structures containing spores
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting your spikemoss started successfully:
- Plant in well-amended, fast-draining soil
- Provide consistent moisture during the first growing season
- Once established, reduce watering frequency
- Avoid walking on it regularly – it’s more delicate than it looks
- Be patient – it spreads slowly but steadily
The Bottom Line
Bluntleaf spikemoss won’t win any awards for flashy flowers or rapid growth, but it offers something special: a living connection to ancient plant lineages and a practical solution for challenging garden spots. If you’re gardening in the Southwest and looking for a unique, native ground cover that can handle drought and provide year-round texture, this little survivor might be exactly what your landscape needs.
Just remember – patience is key with spikemosses. They’re in no hurry, having perfected their survival strategy over millions of years. Give them the right conditions and time, and they’ll reward you with a carpet of prehistoric charm that’s uniquely suited to your region.
