Fir Clubmoss
Lycopodium selago
Family: Lycopodiaceae
What it is like
Lycopodium selago is a FERN growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Usually in open habitats on heaths, moors, mountain grasslands, rock ledges and mountain tops to 1300 metres.
Arctic and N. temperate zone, including Britain, south to Spain, the Himalayas and Oregon.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The plant is edible. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The plant is hypnotic. Chewing three stems is said to induce mild intoxication whilst eight can cause unconsciousness. The plant has been used as a fast-acting emetic and purgative. A poultice of the whole plant has been applied to the head in the treatment of headaches. A homeopathic remedy is made from the whole plant, collected during the summer. It is used as a laxative and to kill worms.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Homeopathy: A plant used in homeopathic treatments.
Hypnotic: Induces sleep.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Other
Rating:
The plant can be used as a mordant in dyeing.
Mordant: Used for making a dye more permanent, it also affects the colour of the dye.
How it is grown
Thrives in a rough spongy peat in a shady position. Requires a humid atmosphere. Terrestrial members of this genus are hard to establish. The roots are delicate and liable to rot, most water being absorbed through the foliage. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer. Although looking more like a moss, this genus is closely related to the ferns.
Propagating it: Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. The spores are generally produced in abundance but are difficult to grow successfully. The spores of this species are not functional, the plant reproduces only by gemmae. Layering of growing tips.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Fern
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
The plant is an active narcotic poison.