Siberian Spikemoss: A Tiny Arctic Survivor for Your Garden
Meet Siberian spikemoss (Selaginella sibirica), a fascinating little plant that’s not quite a moss, not quite a fern, but something wonderfully unique in between. This diminutive northern native belongs to an ancient group of plants called spikemosses or clubmosses, which have been quietly thriving on Earth for over 400 million years!
What Exactly Is Siberian Spikemoss?
Despite its common name, Siberian spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all. It’s what botanists call a lycopod – a primitive vascular plant that reproduces through spores rather than seeds or flowers. Think of it as a living fossil that gives us a glimpse into what plant life looked like when dinosaurs first appeared on the scene.
This perennial little wonder grows as a delicate, branching forb with tiny scale-like leaves that create an intricate, almost lace-like pattern. Unlike true mosses, spikemosses have a proper vascular system to transport water and nutrients, making them more closely related to ferns than to mosses.
Where Does It Call Home?
Siberian spikemoss is a true northerner, native to some of the chilliest places in North America. You’ll find this hardy survivor naturally growing in Alaska, British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories – basically anywhere that gets seriously cold and stays that way for much of the year.
How to Spot Siberian Spikemoss
Identifying this little plant takes a keen eye since it’s quite small and unassuming. Here’s what to look for:
- Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in four rows along delicate stems
- Branching growth pattern that creates a miniature tree-like appearance
- Overall height rarely exceeding a few inches
- Bright to dark green coloration, sometimes with a slightly bluish tint
- Grows in small patches or colonies rather than as individual plants
Is It Beneficial in Gardens?
While Siberian spikemoss might not be the showstopper of your garden, it can be beneficial in very specific situations:
- Specialized collections: Perfect for botanical enthusiasts who appreciate rare and ancient plant forms
- Educational value: Great for teaching about plant evolution and primitive vascular plants
- Terrariums: Can work well in cool, controlled environments that mimic its natural habitat
- Alpine gardens: Adds authentic northern character to rock gardens in very cold climates
The Reality Check
Let’s be honest – Siberian spikemoss isn’t for everyone or every garden. This plant has very specific needs that match its harsh native environment. It requires consistently cool temperatures, excellent drainage combined with steady moisture, and conditions that most temperate gardens simply can’t provide year-round.
If you’re gardening outside of USDA hardiness zones 1-4, you’re probably better off appreciating this plant in its natural habitat or in botanical gardens that specialize in arctic flora.
For the Adventurous Gardener
If you’re determined to try growing Siberian spikemoss and live in an appropriately cold climate, here are some tips:
- Provide consistent moisture without waterlogging
- Ensure excellent drainage – think rocky, gritty soil
- Offer protection from intense sun
- Maintain cool temperatures year-round
- Consider container growing for better environmental control
Remember, this plant has spent millions of years perfecting life in extreme northern conditions. While it’s a remarkable survivor in its native range, it’s quite particular about its growing requirements and may not adapt well to different climates.
The Bottom Line
Siberian spikemoss is more of a botanical curiosity than a practical garden plant for most gardeners. It’s best appreciated for what it represents – a living link to our planet’s ancient past and a testament to life’s ability to thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Unless you’re specifically creating an arctic plant collection or have the perfect cool, moist microclimate, you might want to admire this fascinating little survivor from afar.
