Standley’s Spikemoss: A Tiny Ancient Wonder for Your Garden
Meet Standley’s spikemoss (Selaginella densa var. standleyi), a fascinating little plant that’s been around since long before flowers even existed! Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t actually a moss at all, but rather a member of an ancient group of plants called spikemosses or clubmosses that have been thriving on Earth for over 400 million years.
What Exactly Is Standley’s Spikemoss?
Standley’s spikemoss is a perennial plant that looks remarkably like moss but is actually more closely related to ferns. This tiny ground-hugger produces spores instead of seeds and has small, scale-like leaves that give it a delicate, textured appearance. You might also see it listed under its synonyms Selaginella engelmannii var. standleyi or Selaginella standleyi in some plant references.
Unlike true mosses, spikemosses have a simple vascular system that allows them to transport water and nutrients throughout the plant – pretty impressive for something so small!
Where You’ll Find This Native Gem
This hardy little plant is native to western North America, calling home to some pretty impressive territory across Alaska, several Canadian provinces, and multiple U.S. states. You can find Standley’s spikemoss naturally growing in Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming – basically anywhere the mountains get serious about being mountains!
Spotting Standley’s Spikemoss in the Wild
Identifying this diminutive plant takes a keen eye, but here are the telltale signs to look for:
- Forms dense, cushion-like mats close to the ground
- Tiny, overlapping scale-like leaves that create a intricate pattern
- Usually grows in rocky, well-drained areas
- Often found in mountainous or high-elevation environments
- Stays green year-round in suitable climates
Is It Beneficial for Your Garden?
Absolutely! While Standley’s spikemoss won’t provide nectar for pollinators (since it doesn’t flower), it offers several unique benefits:
- Erosion control: Its dense mat-forming habit helps stabilize soil on slopes
- Low maintenance: Once established, it requires virtually no care
- Drought tolerance: Perfect for water-wise gardening
- Year-round interest: Provides texture and green color even in winter
- Conversation starter: Its ancient lineage makes it a fascinating addition to any garden
Perfect Spots for Standley’s Spikemoss
This tough little plant thrives in conditions that might challenge other ground covers:
- Rock gardens and alpine settings
- Between stepping stones or flagstones
- Dry slopes that need stabilization
- Xerophytic or drought-tolerant landscape designs
- Areas with thin, rocky soil where other plants struggle
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of Standley’s spikemoss lies in its simplicity. This plant prefers:
- Soil: Well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 3-7
The key to success with Standley’s spikemoss is remembering that less is more. This ancient survivor doesn’t need pampering – in fact, it often performs better when slightly neglected!
A Living Link to the Past
Adding Standley’s spikemoss to your garden means welcoming a living piece of natural history. These remarkable plants have witnessed the rise and fall of dinosaurs, the formation of mountains, and countless climate changes. They’re survivors in the truest sense, and their resilience makes them perfect for today’s changing gardening conditions.
Whether you’re creating a rock garden, looking for drought-tolerant ground cover, or simply want to grow something truly unique, Standley’s spikemoss offers a glimpse into the ancient world while solving modern landscaping challenges. It’s proof that sometimes the smallest plants can make the biggest impact!
