Selaginella cinerascens
Ashy spike-moss
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Selaginellaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.1
Selaginella cinerascens (Ashy spike-moss) is a native California herb in the Selaginellaceae family, recognized by key diagnostic feature is complete absence of awns, plus low elevation habitat.
Ashy spike-moss is a California native spikemoss found in southern California coastal and Peninsular Ranges in sunny spots or under shrubs, often on red clay, at elevations below 550 meters. Lacking traditional flowering data, this unique plant is characterized by pale green to tan runners that spread in loose, intricate tangles. Growing as a low-spreading ground cover, it forms delicate prostrate stems that extend across the landscape with intricate branching patterns. Its small leaves are lance-shaped, measuring 1.1 to 2 millimeters long, with acute tips and tiny marginal teeth that give the plant a fine, detailed texture. The plant occasionally produces small cone-like structures 2 to 5 millimeters long, nestled among its delicate foliage.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key diagnostic feature is complete absence of awns, plus low elevation habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Sunny spots or under shrubs, often "red clay"
Elevation: < 550 m
California counties: Orange, San Diego, Riverside
Outside California: Baja California
Conservation status
CNPS 4.1
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 cinerascens native to California?
Yes. Selaginella cinerascens is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Selaginella cinerascens grow?
Selaginella cinerascens occurs in Orange, San Diego, Riverside, at elevations of < 550 m.
What plant family does Selaginella cinerascens belong to?
Selaginella cinerascens is in the Selaginellaceae family, genus Selaginella.
Is Selaginella cinerascens rare or endangered?
Selaginella cinerascens carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.1, state rank S3?.
What habitat does Selaginella cinerascens grow in?
Selaginella cinerascens grows in Sunny spots or under shrubs, often "red clay".
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.