Northern Spikemoss
ExplorePlants
Northern Spikemoss
selaginella selaginoides
Northern Spikemoss (Selaginella selaginoides) is a fascinating, diminutive primitive plant that bridges the gap between mosses and ferns. Belonging to the ancient lineage of lycophytes, this creeping perennial has survived nearly unchanged for millions of years. It thrives in cool, damp, lime-rich environments across the subarctic and alpine zones of the Northern Hemisphere, often carpeting fens, wet ledges, and mossy banks. Unlike true mosses, Northern Spikemoss possesses a vascular system, allowing it to transport water and nutrients efficiently. It plays an important ecological role in stabilizing thin mountain soils and contributing to the biodiversity of delicate wetland ecosystems. Spotting this tiny green survivor offers a glimpse into Earth's deep botanical history.
Habitat: Thrives in wet, calcareous habitats, such as fens, damp rocky ledges, alpine flushes, and mossy tundra.
Appearance
This low-growing perennial forms loose, creeping mats of sterile, leafy stems that measure just 2 to 10 centimeters in height. Its tiny, scale-like leaves are bright to yellowish-green, lance-shaped, and feature finely toothed margins. During the summer, it develops distinct, erect fertile cones (strobili) at the tips of its branches. These strobili are yellowish, noticeably thicker than the sterile creeping stems, and bear two types of spore-producing structures: small microsporangia near the top and larger, yellowish megasporangia at the base.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLycopodiopsidaOrderSelaginellalesFamilySelaginellaceaeGenusSelaginella
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its name and moss-like look, the Northern Spikemoss is actually an ancient vascular plant more closely related to ferns than to true mosses.
It displays heterospory, generating both small male spores and large female spores, which represents an early evolutionary step toward modern seeds.
Its evolutionary lineage (the Lycophytes) dates back over 400 million years, predating the rise of dinosaurs and flowering plants.
Special abilities
Ability
Dual Spore Strategy
It exhibits heterospory, producing two distinct types of spores (microspores and megaspores) which increases colonization success in alpine habitats.
Ability
Desiccation Tolerance
Can survive brief periods of dryness by slowing its metabolic rate, reviving rapidly when moisture returns.
Ability
Cold Hardiness
Possesses special cellular adaptations that prevent damage from freezing, allowing it to survive harsh subarctic winters.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 2-10 cm
- Lifespan
- 3-15 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it manufactures its own nutrients from sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
eaten by
Caribou
Rangifer tarandus
Grazed upon occasionally as part of general vegetation intake in alpine tundra environments.
competitor
Common Butterwort
Pinguicula vulgaris
Competes for space and light in wet, calcareous, nutrient-poor seeps and fen edges.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Northern Spikemoss?
The easiest way to identify Northern Spikemoss is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Northern Spikemoss?
2-10 cm
How long does Northern Spikemoss live?
3-15 years
What does Northern Spikemoss eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it manufactures its own nutrients from sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and minerals absorbed through its roots.
Where is Northern Spikemoss usually found?
Thrives in wet, calcareous habitats, such as fens, damp rocky ledges, alpine flushes, and mossy tundra.
How does Northern Spikemoss hunt?
Photosynthesis
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