plant · GBIF taxon 2688393
Stag's-horn Clubmoss
Lycopodium clavatumAlso known as Common Clubmoss, Running Pine, Ground Pine, Wolf's-claw Clubmoss
Stag's-horn Clubmoss carpets forest floors with creeping, bright green stems that resemble miniature pine garlands. This ancient vascular plant reproduces via microscopic spores released from upright, yellow-green cones that fork like deer antlers. Though moss-like in appearance, its lineage dates back over 400 million years to a time when its relatives grew as massive trees.
Spore-bearingEvergreenAncient Lineage
- diet
- Photosynthetic (autotrophic)
- family
- Lycopodiaceae
- threats
- Habitat loss, over-harvesting for decorative use, and trampling
- life Span
- Perennial (individual clones can live for decades)
LC
Contains toxic alkaloids; do not ingest any part of the plant.
Contains paralytic alkaloids, including lycopodine, which can cause vomiting, motor coordination loss, and respiratory issues if ingested.
Wash hands after handling the plant, and ensure pets do not chew on the creeping runners.- Spore observation: Look for the yellow, horn-like strobili in late summer to see the powdery spores.
- Tread lightly: Avoid stepping on the creeping horizontal stems, which break easily and grow very slowly.
- Appreciate the history: Remember that these plants are living fossils, closely related to giant tree-like ancestors.