Selaginella asprella
Bluish spike-moss
(c) Adam J. Searcy, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Selaginellaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Selaginella asprella (Bluish spike-moss) is a native California herb in the Selaginellaceae family, recognized by glaucous coloration, fragile dry stems, and ciliate awns in tufts.
Bluish spike-moss is a California native spikemoss found in the central Sierra Nevada, southern Sierra Nevada, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in exposed rocky spots and montane conifer woodland at elevations of 1,080 to 2,700 meters. Growing in loose green mats that age to a pale tan and eventually gray, this delicate plant forms fragile clusters with distinctive white-cast stems. Its small leaves are lanceolate, measuring 1.5 to 2.3 millimeters long, with sparse hairs at the base and distinctive wavy awns that extend from stem tips. The plant features tufted leaf tips with fine, ciliate awns that are often longer than the leaf width, creating an intricate and delicate appearance. Its compact cone structures range from 0.4 to 2.5 centimeters in length, adding to its unique botanical character.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; key features are glaucous coloration, fragile dry stems, and ciliate awns in tufts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Exposed rocky spots, montane conifer woodland
Elevation: 1080-2700 m
California counties: Tulare, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Fresno, Mariposa, Shasta, Butte
Outside California: Baja California
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
How to tell it apart
vs Cardionema: Selaginella has overlapping scales spiraling up the stem; Cardionema has paired leaves at intervals.; vs Lycopodium: Selaginella stems feel soft and flexible; Lycopodium stems are firmer and the leaves radiate out in all directions.; vs Polytrichum: Selaginella has square-sided cones and scales; moss capsules sit atop hairlike stalks.; vs Galium: Selaginella has tiny overlapping scales; Galium has narrow leaves in distinct whorls around square stems.; vs Brachythecium: Selaginella has square cones and spiraling scales; moss shoots are feathery with capsules on stalks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Selaginella asprella native to California?
Yes. Selaginella asprella is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Selaginella asprella grow?
Selaginella asprella occurs in Tulare, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Kern, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Fresno and other counties, at elevations of 1080-2700 m.
What plant family does Selaginella asprella belong to?
Selaginella asprella is in the Selaginellaceae family, genus Selaginella.
Is Selaginella asprella rare or endangered?
Selaginella asprella carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S4.
What habitat does Selaginella asprella grow in?
Selaginella asprella grows in Exposed rocky spots, montane conifer woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.