Wright’s Spikemoss: A Tiny Native Wonder for Your Rock Garden
Meet Wright’s spikemoss (Selaginella wrightii), a fascinating little plant that’s not quite a moss, not quite a fern, but something wonderfully unique in between! This native gem belongs to an ancient group of plants called spikemosses or lycopods, and it’s been quietly thriving in the American Southwest for millennia.
What Exactly Is Wright’s Spikemoss?
Don’t let the name fool you – Wright’s spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all! It’s a perennial forb that belongs to a primitive group of vascular plants. Think of it as a living fossil that has survived since the time of dinosaurs. Unlike true mosses, spikemosses have tiny roots and a simple vascular system, making them more complex than mosses but simpler than ferns.
This little plant forms small, intricate rosettes with tiny, scale-like leaves that overlap like shingles on a roof. The leaves are typically green to bronze, and the whole plant rarely grows taller than a few inches. It reproduces through spores rather than flowers, adding to its ancient, mysterious appeal.
Where Does Wright’s Spikemoss Call Home?
Wright’s spikemoss is a proud native of the American Southwest, naturally occurring in New Mexico and Texas. As a native species, it’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of desert and semi-desert regions, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems.
Is Wright’s Spikemoss Beneficial in Gardens?
Absolutely! While it may not provide the showstopping blooms of other native plants, Wright’s spikemoss offers several unique benefits:
- Water-wise gardening: Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Unique texture: Adds interesting visual contrast with its fine, moss-like appearance
- Native ecosystem support: Provides habitat for small insects and microorganisms
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established
- Rock garden specialist: Perfect for tucking into crevices and difficult spots
Perfect Garden Settings
Wright’s spikemoss shines in specialized garden settings where its unique characteristics can be appreciated:
- Rock gardens and alpine gardens
- Xeriscaping and desert landscaping
- Naturalistic Southwest native plant gardens
- Container gardens with good drainage
- Educational or botanical gardens showcasing plant diversity
Growing Conditions and Care
Wright’s spikemoss thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7-10 and prefers conditions that mimic its native habitat:
- Soil: Well-draining, rocky or sandy soils
- Water: Drought tolerant; avoid overwatering
- Light: Partial shade to full sun
- Temperature: Heat tolerant, cold hardy in its range
The key to success with Wright’s spikemoss is remembering that less is more. This tough little plant has evolved to survive on very little water and nutrients, so resist the urge to pamper it with too much care.
How to Identify Wright’s Spikemoss
Spotting Wright’s spikemoss in the wild or confirming its identity in your garden is relatively straightforward once you know what to look for:
- Small size (typically under 4 inches tall)
- Scale-like leaves arranged in overlapping patterns
- Forms small clumps or mats
- Green to bronze coloration
- Found growing in rock crevices or well-drained soils
- No flowers – reproduces via tiny spores
A Living Connection to Ancient Times
Adding Wright’s spikemoss to your garden isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about connecting with deep natural history. These remarkable plants have been around for hundreds of millions of years, making them living links to Earth’s ancient past. While they may be small and subtle, they represent the incredible diversity and resilience of native plant life.
Whether you’re creating a specialized rock garden, working on xeriscaping, or simply want to support native biodiversity, Wright’s spikemoss offers a unique opportunity to grow something truly special. Just remember to source your plants responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries, and enjoy watching this ancient wonder thrive in your modern landscape!
