Bluntleaf Spikemoss: A Tiny Native Wonder for Your Garden
Meet the bluntleaf spikemoss (Selaginella mutica var. mutica), a charming little native that’s often overlooked but deserves a spot in every nature lover’s garden. Don’t let the name fool you—this isn’t actually a moss at all! It’s what botanists call a lycopod, an ancient group of plants that’s been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth.
What Exactly Is Bluntleaf Spikemoss?
Bluntleaf spikemoss is a perennial plant that grows close to the ground, creating delicate, moss-like carpets with its tiny scale-like leaves. As a forb, it’s a non-woody plant that lacks the thick stems you’d find on shrubs or trees. Instead, it spreads along the ground with a creeping habit, forming attractive mats that can add texture and interest to your landscape.
This little gem belongs to an incredibly old plant family—lycopods are some of the most ancient vascular plants on Earth, making them living fossils in your garden!
Where Does It Come From?
Bluntleaf spikemoss is proudly native to the American Southwest, calling six states home: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. This native status makes it a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems and create sustainable landscapes that work with nature rather than against it.
Why Consider Bluntleaf Spikemoss for Your Garden?
Here are several reasons this tiny native might be perfect for your landscape:
- Low maintenance: Once established, it typically requires minimal care
- Drought tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystem health
- Unique texture: Adds fine, delicate texture contrast to other plants
- Ground cover potential: Can help suppress weeds naturally
- Rock garden star: Thrives in well-draining, rocky conditions
Perfect Garden Settings
Bluntleaf spikemoss shines in several garden styles:
- Rock gardens: Its low-growing habit looks natural nestled between stones
- Xeriscapes: Drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-wise landscaping
- Native plant gardens: A perfect addition to indigenous plant collections
- Ground cover applications: Great for areas where you want living carpet instead of mulch
Growing Conditions and Care
This adaptable native prefers:
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential—avoid waterlogged areas
- Light: Partial shade to full sun, quite flexible
- Water: Moderate to low water needs once established
- Climate: Hardy across USDA zones 4-9, matching its native range
The key to success with bluntleaf spikemoss is mimicking its natural habitat—think rocky outcrops and well-drained slopes rather than rich, moist garden beds.
How to Spot Bluntleaf Spikemoss
Identifying this little beauty is easier once you know what to look for:
- Tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like roof shingles
- Low, creeping growth habit that forms mats
- Delicate, fine texture that resembles moss but feels different
- Small size—individual stems are usually just a few inches tall
- Forms distinctive carpet-like patches in suitable habitats
Is Bluntleaf Spikemoss Right for You?
This native gem works best for gardeners who appreciate subtle beauty and want to create sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes. It’s particularly perfect if you’re dealing with challenging conditions like poor drainage, rocky soil, or drought-prone areas where other ground covers might struggle.
While it may not provide the showy flowers of other natives, bluntleaf spikemoss offers something equally valuable: a living connection to ancient plant lineages and a sustainable solution for challenging garden spots. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about successfully growing a plant that’s been thriving on this continent for millions of years!
