Fan clubmoss

Common Names

Fan Clubmoss, Running Cedar, Ground Pine, Ground Cedar

Summary

Fan clubmoss is native to eastern North America, from eastern Canada to the north-central and eastern United States, where it forms an evergreen groundcover in dry, well-drained woodlands and pine forests. It has a low, creeping habit reaching about 5–10 inches tall and 0.5–1 ft wide, with dark green, evergreen, fan-like fronds that resemble a conifer but reproduce by spores rather than seeds. Spore spikes on mature fronds emerge in summer, a distinctive feature.

Cultivation favors deep shade to partial shade and acidic, well-draining soil; it tolerates dry conditions with low water needs and is drought-tolerant, cold and heat tolerant, hardy in zones 4–7. It spreads slowly and can be difficult to transplant, making it best as an evergreen groundcover for shade in eastern North America; it provides winter browse for wildlife. Propagation occurs by spores or division: spores from yellowish strobili on mature fronds collected in late summer, or spring division of established clumps into well-draining, shady locations.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

5-10 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Acidic, well-drained soil (pH below 6–6.8)

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Soil pH

pH below 6.0, acidic soil

Bloom Time

Does not bloom

Foliage Color

Dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color; evergreen with dark green leaves.

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Spores and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, No indication of attraction of bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, or other pollinators