Selaginella oregana D.C.Eaton

Nomenclature

Selaginella oregana D.C.Eaton is a species of spikemoss commonly called Oregon spikemoss.

Distribution Range

It is native to the Pacific Coast of western North America, ranging from British Columbia to northern California.

Habitat Type

This plant grows in mossy, shady coastal forests.

Epiphytic Growth Form

It is often epiphytic, growing attached to tree branches, with its stems hanging as sheets of green, moss-like streamers.

Common Host Trees

Trees frequently occupied by this spikemoss are bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa), and red alder (Alnus rubra).

Non-epiphytic Substrates

It can also grow on the ground and on rocks, forming carpet-like mats.

Stem and Branch Morphology

As a lycophyte, it has creeping or hanging stems that reach up to around 60 centimeters long, and usually produces forking branches.

Stem Drying Response

The stems curl when they dry.

Stem Symmetry and Leaf Arrangement

Stems are radially symmetric, and bear spirals of lance-shaped leaves.

Leaf Characteristics

Each leaf is 2 to 3 millimeters long, and tipped with a tiny, rigid bristle.

Reproductive Structure

The strobili that hold the plant’s reproductive structures grow up to 6 centimeters long and often occur in pairs.