Asian Spikemoss: The Tiny Ancient Plant That’s Not Actually Moss
If you’ve ever stumbled across a delicate, feathery green carpet in a shaded corner and thought that’s some fancy moss, you might have actually been looking at Asian spikemoss (Selaginella plana). Despite its common name, this little plant isn’t a moss at all – it’s actually a much more ancient type of plant called a spikemoss or lycopod that’s been around since before dinosaurs roamed the Earth!
What Exactly Is Asian Spikemoss?
Asian spikemoss belongs to a fascinating group of plants called lycopods – think of them as the great-great-grandparents of our modern ferns and flowering plants. These prehistoric survivors reproduce using spores instead of seeds or flowers, and they’ve been perfecting their survival strategy for over 400 million years. Pretty impressive for something so tiny!
This particular species is a perennial that grows as what botanists call a forb – basically a non-woody plant that stays close to the ground. Its delicate, scale-like leaves are arranged in flat, branching patterns that create an almost lace-like appearance.
Where Does It Come From?
As the name suggests, Asian spikemoss is native to Southeast Asia’s tropical regions. However, this adaptable little plant has made itself at home in Puerto Rico, where it now grows wild and reproduces without any human help.
Is Asian Spikemoss Beneficial in Gardens?
Asian spikemoss can be a charming addition to the right garden setting, though it’s quite specific about its needs. Here’s what makes it special:
- Creates a delicate, textural ground cover in shaded areas
- Adds an ancient, primeval feeling to garden spaces
- Perfect for terrariums and indoor plant collections
- Requires minimal maintenance once established in suitable conditions
- Stays small and won’t overwhelm other plants
However, since it’s not native to most areas where gardeners might encounter it, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems.
How to Identify Asian Spikemoss
Spotting Asian spikemoss is all about looking for these key features:
- Size: Very small and low-growing, typically staying under a few inches tall
- Leaves: Tiny, scale-like leaves arranged in flattened, branching patterns
- Texture: Delicate and feathery, almost like fine embroidery
- Growth pattern: Spreads horizontally to form small mats
- Color: Bright to medium green
- Habitat: Found in humid, shaded locations
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and want to try growing Asian spikemoss, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Light: Bright, indirect light or partial shade – direct sun will quickly fry these delicate plants
- Moisture: Consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil and high humidity
- Temperature: Warm, tropical conditions year-round
- Soil: Well-draining but moisture-retentive soil with good organic content
This makes Asian spikemoss particularly well-suited for terrariums, covered porches, or greenhouse collections rather than typical outdoor garden beds in most climates.
A Word About Native Alternatives
While Asian spikemoss can be an interesting addition to the right garden setting, consider exploring native ground covers and small plants in your area first. Native alternatives will be better adapted to your local climate, require less intensive care, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife – something that spikemosses, with their spore-based reproduction, don’t offer to pollinators.
Asian spikemoss represents a fascinating glimpse into plant evolution and can be a delightful curiosity for plant enthusiasts who can provide the right growing conditions. Just remember that this ancient little survivor has very specific needs and works best as a specialty plant rather than a general garden workhorse!
