Underwood’s Spikemoss: A Tiny Desert Survivor Worth Knowing
Meet Underwood’s spikemoss (Selaginella underwoodii), a fascinating little plant that’s not actually a moss at all! This native American species belongs to an ancient group of plants called spikemosses or lycopods, making it more closely related to ferns than to true mosses. If you’ve ever wandered through the rocky landscapes of the American Southwest, you may have walked right past this unassuming but remarkable survivor.
What Exactly is Underwood’s Spikemoss?
Underwood’s spikemoss is a perennial plant that grows as what botanists call a forb – essentially a non-woody plant that hugs close to the ground. Think of it as nature’s living carpet, with tiny scale-like leaves that create intricate, moss-like mats across rocky surfaces and desert floors. Despite its common name, this little guy is actually a vascular plant, complete with roots and a circulatory system for moving water and nutrients around.
Where You’ll Find This Desert Native
This spikemoss is a true native of the lower 48 states, calling the American Southwest home. You can find populations scattered across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of these regions, from high desert plateaus to rocky mountain foothills.
Spotting Underwood’s Spikemoss in the Wild
Identifying this spikemoss takes a keen eye, as it’s quite small and easily overlooked. Here’s what to look for:
- Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping patterns
- Low-growing, creeping habit that forms small mats
- Preference for rocky, well-draining areas
- Ability to curl up and appear dead during dry spells, then green up when moisture returns
- Small, cone-like structures (sporangia) that contain spores
Is It Beneficial in the Garden?
While Underwood’s spikemoss isn’t your typical garden showstopper, it can be a valuable addition to specialized landscapes. Here’s where it shines:
- Rock gardens: Perfect for filling crevices between stones
- Xeriscaping: Requires virtually no supplemental water once established
- Native plant gardens: Adds authentic regional character
- Living roof projects: Excellent for extensive green roof systems
The Resurrection Plant Phenomenon
One of the coolest features of spikemosses is their ability to play dead. During drought conditions, Underwood’s spikemoss can curl up its leaves, turn brown, and enter a state called cryptobiosis – essentially pausing all life processes. When moisture returns, it miraculously greens up again, earning spikemosses the nickname resurrection plants. This incredible adaptation allows it to survive in some of the harshest environments on the continent.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re lucky enough to acquire Underwood’s spikemoss for your garden, it thrives in conditions that mimic its native habitat:
- Well-draining, sandy or rocky soil
- Full sun to partial shade
- Minimal water once established
- Good air circulation
- Protection from foot traffic (it’s delicate!)
This little survivor is adapted to USDA hardiness zones 4-9, making it surprisingly cold-tolerant for a desert native.
A Living Link to the Past
What makes spikemosses truly special is their ancient lineage. These plants have been around for hundreds of millions of years, making them living fossils that survived the age of dinosaurs. Having Underwood’s spikemoss in your garden is like hosting a tiny piece of prehistoric Earth – a conversation starter that’s sure to fascinate visitors interested in natural history.
While it may not provide the bold colors or dramatic forms of more popular garden plants, Underwood’s spikemoss offers something equally valuable: a connection to the deep time of our planet and the remarkable adaptability of life itself. For gardeners interested in native plants, water conservation, or simply the wonder of unusual species, this humble spikemoss deserves a closer look.
