How to Grow and Care for Alpine clubmosses

Fan clubmoss (Diphasiastrum digitatum) is an evergreen plant species often planted for ground cover. Fan clubmoss is a member of the fern family and reproduces through spores. This plant grows best in partial shade and tolerates drought.

Ground-cedar looks like cedar boughs that are lying on the ground, giving it its common name. Growing to only 10 cm high, this plant was once used for Christmas boughs. It was so widely used that its presence was severely depleted.

Alpine clubmoss (Diphasiastrum alpinum) is a frost- and cold-hardy plant that is named after its native mountainous habitat. The common name clubmoss refers to its compact, almost clublike growth form. Alpine clubmoss can often be found growing in communities with grasses and heather.

Deeproot clubmoss (*Diphasiastrum tristachyum*) is indigenous to Western Europe and the eastern half of North America. It prefers dry, sandy areas, and grows quite readily in poor or acidic soil. Though it can survive partial shade, it does best in open areas with plenty of sun.

Zeiller's ground-cedar has unusual spores that are highly flammable and are harvested for use in lycopodium powder, a substance used to create small explosions for theatrical effects. Its scientific name (Diphasiastrum zeilleri) was given in honor of the celebrated French botanist Professor Charles René Zeiller (1847 - 1915).