Lesser Spikemoss: The Tiny Ancient Wonder That’s Not Actually Moss
Meet lesser spikemoss (Selaginella densa), a fascinating little plant that’s been fooling people for ages. Despite its common name, this diminutive wonder isn’t actually a moss at all—it’s a spikemoss, which belongs to an ancient group of plants called lycopods that have been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth. Think of it as the plant world’s equivalent of a living fossil, but one that happens to make a fantastic ground cover.
What Exactly Is Lesser Spikemoss?
Lesser spikemoss is a perennial plant that forms dense, carpet-like mats of tiny, scale-like leaves. These leaves are so small and tightly packed that from a distance, the plant really does look like moss. But here’s where it gets interesting: unlike true mosses, spikemosses are vascular plants, meaning they have tiny internal plumbing systems to move water and nutrients around—pretty impressive for something that rarely grows taller than 2 inches!
This little green carpet-maker is a true North American native, naturally occurring across a vast range from Alaska down through Canada and throughout much of the western and central United States. You’ll find it thriving in states including Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, Arizona, California, Ontario, Colorado, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Is Lesser Spikemoss Beneficial in Your Garden?
Absolutely! Lesser spikemoss can be a gardener’s secret weapon, especially if you’re dealing with challenging growing conditions. Here’s why this tiny plant packs a big punch:
- Erosion control: Those dense mats are excellent at holding soil in place on slopes and in areas prone to erosion
- Low maintenance ground cover: Once established, it requires virtually no care and can handle drought like a champ
- Year-round interest: The plant provides a lovely green carpet in growing season and often turns attractive bronze-red tones in winter
- Rock garden star: Perfect for tucking into crevices and creating natural-looking coverage in rock gardens
- Wildlife habitat: While it doesn’t produce flowers for pollinators, it provides microhabitat for small insects and other tiny creatures
How to Identify Lesser Spikemoss
Spotting lesser spikemoss in the wild (or confirming what you have in your garden) is easier once you know what to look for:
- Size: Forms low, dense mats that rarely exceed 1-2 inches in height but can spread several feet wide
- Leaves: Tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like shingles and are arranged in four rows along the stems
- Texture: Feels soft and spongy underfoot, similar to moss
- Color: Bright green during the growing season, often turning bronze, red, or brownish in winter or during dry periods
- Growth pattern: Spreads by creeping stems that root as they go, creating expanding colonies
- Spore structures: Look for tiny, cone-like structures at the tips of branches—these contain the spores (no flowers or seeds!)
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about lesser spikemoss is how adaptable and low-maintenance it is. This tough little plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 and prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade (though it handles full sun better in cooler climates)
- Soil: Well-draining soils of almost any type—sandy, rocky, or clay—it’s not picky!
- Water: Drought tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional watering during extended dry spells
- Maintenance: Virtually none required—just let it do its thing
Where Lesser Spikemoss Shines
This versatile little plant is perfect for:
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Xeriscaped landscapes
- Slopes and areas prone to erosion
- Between stepping stones or pavers
- Naturalistic prairie or meadow gardens
- Areas where grass struggles to grow
The Bottom Line
Lesser spikemoss might be small, but it’s mighty. This ancient plant offers modern gardeners a low-maintenance, native ground cover option that’s both practical and interesting. Whether you’re looking to prevent erosion, fill in challenging spots, or just add something unique to your rock garden, this little moss that isn’t really moss might just be the perfect solution. Plus, there’s something pretty cool about growing a plant that’s been perfecting its survival strategy for millions of years—talk about time-tested reliability!
