Lycopodium deuterodensum
bushy clubmoss
Overview
Lycopodium deuterodensum is an evergreen clubmoss, a spore-bearing relative of ferns, that grows erect and much-branched to 12-32 inches (30-80 cm) tall, resembling a small conifer seedling. Stems rise from creeping underground rhizomes and branch repeatedly into bushy, flattened sprays. The leaves are tiny, scale-like, 0.04-0.2 inch (1-5 mm) long, and pressed against the stems in dense spirals, giving the branchlets a cord-like, yellow-green to mid-green texture. The plant does not flower; it reproduces by spores released from narrow cones, called strobili, that form at the tips of the upper branches. Spores ripen mainly in summer and autumn. New plants also arise as the rhizome spreads through the soil. The species grows in heathland, sedgeland, and open forest on poor, sandy, often damp acidic soils. It establishes slowly and depends on undisturbed ground and soil fungi, which makes it difficult to cultivate or transplant.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria and Tasmania, and also recorded in New Caledonia and parts of Southeast Asia. Grows in heath, sedgeland, and open forest on nutrient-poor, sandy or peaty acidic soils, often where drainage is impeded.Suggested Uses
Grown only by specialist growers and in conservation work targeting heathland habitats. Not suited to general gardens because of its slow growth and dependence on undisturbed acidic soil. In the wild it forms scattered colonies among low heath vegetation.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread8" - 1'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
The plant does not produce flowers. Spores are shed from cone-like strobili at the branch tips, mainly in summer and autumn. Cone production varies from year to year with conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
yellow-green to mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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