Selaginella densa var. scopulorum (Maxon) R.M.Tryon

Common Names

Selaginella densa, the species of spikemoss that this variety belongs to, has common names including lesser spikemoss, prairie spikemoss, and Rocky Mountains spikemoss.

Distribution Range

It is native to western North America, with a range extending from Alaska to Ontario, the Dakotas, Texas, and far northern California.

General Habitat

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

Great Plains Habitat

It is a dominant plant in many types of prairie on the Great Plains, especially 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.

Soil and Moisture Tolerance

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

Stem and Branch Structure

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

Leaf Characteristics

Its green, linear or lance-shaped leaves reach up to 5 millimeters long when counting the short, soft bristles on their tips, and the leaves are flattened against the stem.

Strobilus Size

Strobili growing at the ends of stems can reach up to 3 or 4 centimeters long.

Ecological Function and Uses

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