July's Flower of the Month

Arborvitae Fern

Selaginella braunii syn. S. pellascens

 Even though people call this plant arborvitae fern, it is not a fern at all, but is a prehistoric fern relative called club moss. Since it is a vascular plant that produces spores, it is often mistaken for a fern. 

Selaginella gradually grows to cover the ground with a solid mass that inhibits weed growth. Scaly foliage resembles that of arborvitae or cedar. Yellow green fronds of finely dissected foliage look delicate, but in fact the plant is a sturdy, well-suited workhorse in its shady nook. 

Right Place  Plant quart- or gallon-sized containers a foot or so apart in shade or filtered sunlight. Amend sand or heavy clay soil by incorporating a two- or three-inch layer of compost or humus. Although it likes moist, shady spots, it does not like standing water. 

Continued Care  Water as needed to maintain damp soil. If appearance is ragged following a severe winter, trim old or damaged fronds. New growth will quickly emerge. Fertilize in early spring just as new growth begins with all-purpose, slow-release fertilizer. 

Propagation  The club mosses can be divided easily at any time of year. Simply divide mature clumps and replant the divisions. Cuttings root easily if inserted in soil and kept damp. Club mosses can be grown from spores, but it is a complicated process that is done only in research laboratories. 

Kinds  About 700 to 800 species are found worldwide.  Peacock fern (Selaginella willdenovi or S. uncinata) is a diminutive three- to six- inch tall club moss noted for its bluish green iridescent leaves. Golden Irish moss (S. kraussiana ‘Aurea’ grows about two inches tall and retains its bright golden color year-round.  Gemmiferous spikemoss (S. moellendorffii) is an easy-to-grow Chinese species that bears tiny plantlets that drop off and form new colonies where they land. 

Other Uses  Selaginella looks great in hanging baskets or in containers skirting taller plants. Small varieties are useful in terrariums.

At a Glance

Say: sell-lah-gi-NEL-uh BRAUN-e-eye

Family: Selaginellaceae (Spikemoss family)

Other names: Club moss, spike moss

Origin: Western China

Zone: 6 - 10

Light: Shade

Water use zone: Moderate

Size: 12 to 18 inches tall

Soil: Organic

Salt Tolerance: None

Click here for a list of the plants in archives.