Fan Clubmoss, known as Lycopodium digitatum, is an evergreen perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family, which includes other species such as ground pines and spike mosses. The plant has a unique appearance, with thin, wiry stems that grow up to 30 cm in height and fan-shaped leaves resembling a bird's tail feathers.
Fan Clubmoss Reproduction System
One of the most remarkable features of it is its reproductive system. The plant produces two types of spores, microspores, and megaspores, which turn into male and female gametophytes. The male gametophytes produce sperm cells, while the female gametophytes produce egg cells. Fertilization occurs when the sperm cells swim to the egg cells, and the resulting zygote develops into a sporophyte, eventually growing into a mature plant.
Fan Clubmoss Medicinal Uses
It has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history. Native Americans used it to remedy multiple ailments, including urinary tract infections, fevers, and respiratory problems. The plant contains several active compounds, including lycopodium and lycopene, which have been shown to possess antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Fan Clubmoss Other Uses
Besides its medicinal uses, it has been used for decorative purposes. The plant is often used in floral arrangements and is famous for creating bonsai trees. Its unique appearance and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardening enthusiasts. It is commonly used in landscaping and erosion control. Its shallow roots and ability to spread quickly make it an excellent ground cover.
Fan Clubmoss Is An Evergreen
Fan Clubmoss is an evergreen perennial that grows best in hardiness zones 4 to 7. It is used in most settings as a groundcover because it can spread quickly if given the optimum growth specifications.
The horizontal stems hold small, scale-like leaves that are pale to medium green. In comparison, the central branch of the plant is medium to dark green and has similar small, scale-like leaves.
Nearly all the stems are arranged in a fan shape and appear identical to cedar. The evergreen perennial is naturally found in woodland areas along with oak trees or conifers. Once the plant is established in the soil, it will spread quickly through stems just below the soil's surface.
Fanclub moss can reach up to 5 to 10 inches tall in its lifetime. It requires a woodland-type environment to grow optimally, with its soil needing to be well-draining and acid with organic matter mixed into it.
Fan Clubmoss Looks Like Tiny Pine Trees
For the organic matter, it is best to blend shredded leaves and pine needle mulch into the first 4 to 5 inches of soil before planting. The plant needs to be located in an area that receives partial to full shade, as it does not tolerate direct sunlight well.
Its intolerance to sunlight makes it perfect for shade gardens and fills areas of a yard that don't grow grasses well. It requires shallow water, prefers the soil to be dried out between watering, and tolerates drought's low water conditions.
Fan Clubmoss requires very little pruning maintenance, only to be cut back or transplanted when its spread needs to be controlled. The evergreen perennial is both heat- and cold-tolerant, which allows it to provide visual interest in gardens and yards during multiple seasons.
Its cedar-like appearance makes it a great holiday decoration piece, fresh or dried.
