Interrupted Club-Moss

(Spinulum annotinum)

Interrupted Club-Moss (Spinulum annotinum)

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Climate Requirements

Precipitation 20" - 46"
High Temp. 64°F - 77°F
Low Temp. 0°F - 19°F

Summary

Spinulum annotinum, commonly known as Interrupted Club-Moss or Stiff Clubmoss, is an evergreen perennial herb native to cool, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including boreal forests, tundra, and alpine regions. It is often found in moist, acidic soils of coniferous forests and shaded areas. This slow-growing plant reaches a height of 0.3-1 feet (0.09-0.3 meters) and features upright stems with needle-like leaves that give it a moss-like appearance. The ’interrupted’ part of its common name refers to the characteristic gaps in the foliage where yellowish spore-bearing structures are found in summer. While it does not produce flowers, these spore structures are of interest in the garden.

Interrupted Club-Moss is valued for its textural contrast in shade gardens and naturalized woodland settings. It is also used in rock gardens due to its low stature and evergreen foliage. This plant requires consistent moisture and prefers acidic, humus-rich soils with good drainage. It thrives under full sun to part shade conditions. Gardeners should note that it can be sensitive to drought and excessive heat. Due to its slow growth rate, it is not aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Fern
  • Height: 0.3-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Border Plant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Cool, temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including boreal forests, tundra, and alpine regions, often in moist, acidic soils of coniferous forests and shaded areas

Other Names

Common Names: Stiff Clubmoss

Scientific Names: Spinulum annotinum

GBIF Accepted Name: Spinulum annotinum