Fan Clubmoss
Diphasiastrum digitatum
Also listed as Lycopodium digitatum, Lycopodium flabelliforme
Also known as Fan-shaped Clubmoss, Crowfoot Clubmoss, Ground Cedar
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen clubmoss with delicate, fan-like fronds that spreads slowly across moist woodland floors. Non-flowering, it reproduces via spores and is prized for its fine texture in shade gardens.
Why grow it
Fan clubmoss offers finer, more delicate texture than many ground-covering ferns in deep shade, making it useful for adding visual interest to woodland gardens where other groundcovers struggle. Unlike flowering shade plants, it requires no deadheading or seasonal cleanup, and its slow spread means it won't overwhelm adjacent plantings. It performs particularly well in acidic, consistently moist soils where many ornamental groundcovers decline.
Watch out for
This species is sensitive to disturbance and compaction, so site it in areas away from foot traffic and avoid cultivating the soil around established patches. It may take several seasons to establish and spread noticeably, so patience is required during the early growing period. Very dry conditions or prolonged drought stress can cause decline, even though establishment may take time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lycopodiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen clubmoss with delicate, fan-like fronds that spreads slowly across moist woodland floors. Non-flowering, it reproduces via spores and is prized for its fine texture in shade gardens.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Fan Clubmoss grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Fan clubmoss offers finer, more delicate texture than many ground-covering ferns in deep shade, making it useful for adding visual interest to woodland gardens where other groundcovers struggle. Unlike flowering shade plants, it requires no deadheading or seasonal cleanup, and its slow spread means it won't overwhelm adjacent plantings. It performs particularly well in acidic, consistently moist soils where many ornamental groundcovers decline.
Watch out for
This species is sensitive to disturbance and compaction, so site it in areas away from foot traffic and avoid cultivating the soil around established patches. It may take several seasons to establish and spread noticeably, so patience is required during the early growing period. Very dry conditions or prolonged drought stress can cause decline, even though establishment may take time.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Lycopodiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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