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Stag's-horn clubmoss

How to identify Stag's-horn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Stag's-horn clubmoss, also known as Wolf's claw club moss, Ground pine, Running pine, Stagshorn clubmoos

Stag's-horn clubmoss is characterized by its evergreen, fern-like appearance with horizontal, arching stems and branched fertile stems clothed in linear leaves. It features upright branches approximately 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) tall. It is distinguishable by its reproductive structures, which include cones or leaf axils harboring sporangia for spore dispersion. The foliage typically displays a lush green coloration.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Stag's-horn clubmoss

1

Needle-like or scale-like leaves, 0.12-0.24 inches (3-6 mm) long, densely packed and bright green.

2

Horizontal stem growth forming clusters, with slender stems measuring about 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) thick.

3

Upright branches 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm) tall, with reproductive cones or sporangia in leaf axils.

4

Cylindrical strobili containing spores, yellow-green to brown, measuring a few millimeters in length.

5

Evergreen fern-like appearance with arching stems, distinctively lush green foliage and reproductive structures.

Stag's-horn clubmossStag's-horn clubmossStag's-horn clubmossStag's-horn clubmossStag's-horn clubmoss

Detailed Traits of Stag's-horn clubmoss

Leaf Features

The leaves of stag's-horn clubmoss are small, needle-like to scale-like structures, typically growing 0.12-0.24 inches (3-6 mm) long. They are arranged spirally and densely packed, giving a bristly appearance, especially on the distal third of the branches. The leaves are bright green with a slightly glossy texture and display a simple vein pattern. Their distinctive needle-like or scale-like shape and vibrant color are key identifying features.

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Stem Features

The stem of stag's-horn clubmoss is characterized by its horizontal growth on the substrate surface, forming clusters of upright shoots. It features a dominant main shoot with 3 to 6 branches predominantly in the lower half of the plant. The stem is slender, with a rough texture and greenish-brown color. It typically measures about 0.1 inches (2-3 mm) in thickness. Unique to stag's-horn clubmoss, these stems facilitate the spread and stability of the plant across the ground.

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Fruit Features

The 'fruit' of stag's-horn clubmoss is actually comprised of spores, as this species is a clubmoss and does not bear fruit in the traditional sense. The spores are released from specialized structures known as strobili, which are cylindrical and appear on the tips of the upper branches. The strobili are typically yellow-green to brown, blending with the foliage. Measuring only a few millimeters in length, they contain microspores that propagate the species. This reproductive display occurs from summer to early fall.

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Key Facts About Stag's-horn clubmoss

Attributes of Stag's-horn clubmoss
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Color
Yellow
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Stag's-horn clubmoss

Species
Stag's-horn clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)
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Distribution Map of Stag's-horn clubmoss

Stag's-horn clubmoss is a widespread species native to temperate and tropical regions across the Northern Hemisphere. It has been introduced and has become established in various locales within the Southern Hemisphere, thereby broadening its presence across multiple continents. Its ecological adaptability allows it to thrive in a range of climates outside its original range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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