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Selaginella bigelovii
Bigelow's spikemoss
Overview
Selaginella bigelovii is a small, evergreen spikemoss in the spikemoss family, a non-flowering relative of ferns and clubmosses that reproduces by spores. It forms low tufts and mats 2–6 inches (5–15 cm) tall of wiry, branching stems densely covered in tiny, scale-like, grayish-green leaves under 0.1 inch (1–2 mm) long. In dry weather the stems curl inward and the foliage takes on a gray, dormant look, then expands and greens again after rain. Reproductive structures form as small four-sided cones, called strobili, at the branch tips, where spores develop rather than seeds or flowers. The plant grows on dry, rocky slopes, cliff faces, and gravelly banks in chaparral and coastal scrub from California into Baja California. It roots in shallow soil pockets and crevices and tolerates intense sun, heat, and long dry periods by going dormant. Selaginella bigelovii does not grow in wet, rich, or shaded garden beds, and it spreads slowly, so it is mainly seen on natural rock outcrops rather than in cultivation.
Native Range
Native to California and Baja California, on dry, rocky slopes, cliffs, and gravelly banks in chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak woodland. It grows in shallow soil pockets and rock crevices from near the coast into the foothills.Suggested Uses
Selaginella bigelovii is used in rock gardens, crevice and wall plantings, and dry, gravelly slopes that mimic its native outcrops. The low, drought-dormant mats suit containers and troughs with sharp drainage. It is grown mainly by native-plant and rock-garden enthusiasts rather than in general landscapes.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Selaginella bigelovii produces no flowers. It reproduces by spores formed in small four-sided strobili at the branch tips, mainly through the cool, moist season. The dry summer period is spent dormant, with the foliage curled and gray until rain returns.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
grayish-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Selaginella bigelovii grows in full sun to light shade on dry, sharply drained, rocky or gravelly soils and tolerates poor, shallow ground. It survives long dry spells by curling and going dormant, then revives after rain, so it needs no summer water once established. It roots in crevices and shallow soil pockets and grows slowly into low mats. It does not tolerate rich, wet, or deeply shaded conditions, which cause it to rot. Established plants are low-maintenance on rock gardens and walls. Propagation is by spores or by division of established mats.Pruning
Selaginella bigelovii needs no pruning. Dead or damaged sections can be lifted away by hand to keep mats tidy. The plant renews its foliage from the wiry stems after rain.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons