James H. Schutte
Family
Selaginellaceae
Botanical Name
Selaginella kraussiana
Plant Common Name
Trailing Spike Moss
General Description
Dainty, frilly and lush, the bright-green foliage of trailing spikemoss hints at a kinship with ferns, although the plant has its own family, Selaginellaceae. This tender, tropical perennial, is a mat-forming or trailing plant native to sub-Saharan Africa. Its creeping stems hug the ground and root as they spread. The scale-like leaves are delicate and tiny, ranging from light-green to yellow-green and medium-green. No flowers are produced, but this "fern ally" makes spores upon small leafy spikes.
Grow trailing spikemoss in bright filtered light to even shade and moist, acidy soil that has good drainage. Humidity is a requirement to prevent leaf scalding or quick browning. In the warmth of summer, keep the plant moist, but in winter keep it a bit drier. Use it as a groundcover among shaded rocks or a ruin wall in frost-free regions, or indoors in a terrarium or as a houseplant in a low dish or hanging basket. A warm greenhouse is ideal, but definitely protect this plant from winds when humidity is low, regardless of its growing environment. For added interest, consider these cultivars: 'Aurea, has yellow foliage, 'Variegata' has cream and green leaves, and 'Brownii' is a form that becomes a cushion-like clump.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
11 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
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Height
1"-2" / 2.5cm - 5.1cm
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Width
16"-24" / 40.6cm - 61.0cm
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Native To
Middle Africa, Southern Africa
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
None
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Light Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
