Bushy Spikemoss: The Desert’s Ancient Ground Cover
Meet bushy spikemoss (Selaginella bigelovii), a fascinating little plant that’s been around since long before flowers even existed! This isn’t actually a moss at all – it’s what botanists call a spikemoss or lycopod, making it more closely related to ferns than to true mosses. Think of it as nature’s living fossil that happens to make an excellent ground cover for water-wise gardens.
What Exactly Is Bushy Spikemoss?
Bushy spikemoss is a perennial plant that grows as a low, spreading ground cover. Unlike true mosses, it’s a vascular plant, meaning it has a proper system for moving water and nutrients throughout its structure. This little survivor reproduces through spores rather than seeds or flowers, which makes it quite unique in the gardening world.
The plant forms dense, cushion-like mats with tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like shingles on a roof. When conditions are right, it stays green and lush, but during dry spells, it can curl up and appear almost dead – only to spring back to life when moisture returns.
Where Does It Call Home?
This native beauty is perfectly at home in California, where it thrives in the state’s diverse desert and semi-arid regions. As a plant native to the lower 48 states, it’s naturally adapted to the challenging conditions of the American Southwest.
Is Bushy Spikemoss Beneficial for Your Garden?
Absolutely! Here’s why gardeners love this ancient little plant:
- Exceptional drought tolerance once established
- Perfect for xeriscaping and water-wise landscaping
- Creates interesting textural contrast in rock gardens
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Stays relatively small, making it ideal for tight spaces
- Provides year-round ground cover in suitable climates
While it won’t attract pollinators like flowering plants do (since it doesn’t produce flowers), it does add ecological value by providing ground cover that can help prevent soil erosion and create microhabitats for small desert creatures.
How to Identify Bushy Spikemoss
Spotting bushy spikemoss is pretty straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Forms low, dense mats or cushions, typically staying under 6 inches tall
- Tiny, overlapping, scale-like leaves that create a textured appearance
- Branches that spread outward from the center
- Green color when well-watered, but can appear brown or curled during dry periods
- No flowers or traditional seeds – look for small, cone-like structures that contain spores
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and want to try growing this desert native, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Well-draining soil is absolutely essential – soggy conditions will kill it
- Full sun to partial shade
- Minimal water once established (it’s built for drought!)
- Rocky or sandy soil works best
- Good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup
The beauty of bushy spikemoss lies in its simplicity. Once you’ve got it established in the right conditions, it pretty much takes care of itself. Just remember that this plant has survived for millions of years by being tough – so resist the urge to pamper it with too much water or rich soil.
Perfect for Modern Desert Gardens
Bushy spikemoss shines in contemporary xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes. It’s particularly stunning when planted between stepping stones, in crevices of rock walls, or as a living mulch around larger drought-tolerant plants. Its low-growing habit and unique texture make it an excellent choice for adding visual interest without overwhelming other plants in your design.
Whether you’re creating a water-wise garden or simply want to celebrate California’s native plant heritage, bushy spikemoss offers a glimpse into the ancient world of plants while providing practical, low-maintenance ground cover for today’s sustainable gardens.
