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Selaginella kraussiana

Kraus's clubmoss

A vigorous mat-forming perennial with rooting stems to 5cm tall, bearing small, scale-like leaves giving a fern-like appearance. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens

Other common names
mat spike moss
spreading clubmoss
see moretrailing spike moss

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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Selaginellaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming
Genus

Selaginella are evergreen rhizomatous perennials which may be small and tufted or tall and scrambling, the slender stems covered with small scale-like leaves; spores develop in short terminal spikes

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Macaronesia, Africa

How to grow

Cultivation

In frost-prone areas grow under glass in a mixture of two parts peat-free, loam-based compost and one part leafmould, in bright but filtered light. Requires a minimum temperature of 5-7C in the winter months. An ideal plant for terrariums and bottle gardens

Propagation

Sow spores at 21°C as soon as they are ripe. Divide rhizomes or rooted stems in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally peat-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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