Diphasiastrum digitatum
fan clubmoss
Overview
Diphasiastrum digitatum is an evergreen clubmoss of eastern North American woodlands, spreading by long horizontal runner stems, on or just below the surface, that send up erect shoots 4-10 inches (10-25 cm) tall. The upright shoots branch into flattened, fan-shaped sprays of tiny, scale-like leaves pressed against the stem, giving a look similar to cedar foliage. In late summer slender stalks rise above the foliage bearing several cylindrical strobili in a candelabra arrangement, releasing yellow spores. D. digitatum has no flowers or seeds and reproduces by spores and by the spreading runners, which can extend several feet and form broad colonies. It grows in dry to moist acidic soils in open woods, clearings, and pine or oak forest, often in partial shade. The plant spreads slowly and depends on undisturbed ground and soil fungi, so it is hard to transplant. The evergreen sprays were once gathered for holiday greenery, and the spores were collected as flash powder. It tolerates poor, sandy, acidic soil but declines with disturbance or deep shade. Growth is gradual, with colonies taking years to develop.
Native Range
Diphasiastrum digitatum is native to eastern North America, from Quebec and Ontario south to Georgia and west to Minnesota. It grows in dry to moist acidic woodlands, clearings, and pine or oak forest floors.Suggested Uses
D. digitatum is encountered in native woodland and in acidic woodland gardens where conditions match its habitat. The evergreen, fan-like sprays form a slow groundcover among pines and oaks. It is of interest in native-plant study rather than general landscaping.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 10"
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Bloom Information
D. digitatum does not flower. It reproduces by spores released from cylindrical strobili held on slender stalks above the foliage. The strobili ripen and shed yellow spores in late summer to autumn, roughly August to October.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 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