Selaginella densa Rydb.

Nomenclature

Selaginella densa Rydb. is a species of spikemoss with the common names lesser spikemoss, prairie spikemoss, and Rocky Mountains spikemoss.

Distribution

It is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to Ontario, the Dakotas, Texas, and far northern California.

Habitat Range

It grows in a wide variety of habitat types, from grassland to alpine climates of high mountains, in rocky and sandy areas.

Great Plains Occurrence

It is a dominant plant in many types of prairie on the Great Plains, particularly in shortgrass prairie, where it grows alongside dominant grasses.

Mountain Habitat

It also grows on windy, exposed, snow-free rock outcrops on mountain peaks in several ranges, including the Cascade Range and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Habitat Preferences

It is most common on dry soils in open areas, and tolerates desiccation relatively easily.

Growth Form

This lycophyte forms mats or cushions of creeping stems that fork into small, upright branches.

Leaf Morphology

Its green, linear or lance-shaped leaves are up to 5 millimeters long, including the short, soft bristles at the tips.

Leaf Arrangement

The leaves are flattened against the stem.

Strobilus Size

Strobili that grow at the ends of the stems can reach up to 3 or 4 centimeters in length.

Ecological Function and Uses

This compact groundcover plant protects soil from erosion, and can be used in landscaping for this purpose.