Overview
Dendrolycopodium obscurum is an evergreen clubmoss of eastern North America that grows as a colony of erect, branched shoots 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) tall rising from a horizontal underground rhizome. Each shoot resembles a miniature conifer, with a single unbranched lower stem topped by flattened, fan-like branches densely clothed in small, scale-like green leaves about 0.1-0.3 inch (3-7 mm) long. It is a vascular, spore-bearing plant rather than a flowering one; narrow yellowish cones, or strobili, 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) long stand at the branch tips in summer and release powdery spores in late summer and autumn. The horizontal rhizome runs underground rather than along the surface, separating it from related running clubmosses. It spreads slowly to form open patches in acidic woodland soils. Growth is slow and establishment from spores can take years, and it transplants poorly because of its dependence on soil fungi, so wild colonies seldom move into cultivation.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada south through the Appalachians and the eastern United States to the Gulf states. It grows in moist to dry acidic woodlands, on shaded slopes, and along forest edges.Suggested Uses
Used in shaded native woodland and moss gardens, in naturalistic groundcover plantings, and in conservation settings within its range. It is unsuited to containers, formal beds, or sites with disturbed or limy soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
This clubmoss does not flower. Spores form in narrow cones 0.5-1.5 inches (1.3-4 cm) long held upright at the shoot tips, ripening and shedding from late summer into autumn. The powdery yellow spores are carried on air currents.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight