Selaginella eremophila

Desert spike-moss

Family: Selaginellaceae · Type: Spikemoss · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2

Desert spike-moss is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native spikemoss found in the eastern Peninsular Ranges and Sonoran Desert in shaded sites with sandy or gravelly soils, typically at the base of rocks or in rock cracks at elevations below 1,100 meters. This delicate spikemoss forms a distinctive mat with loosely spreading margins, initially green but aging to an orange-brown color. Growing in low, intricate clusters with sub-pinnate branching, the plant has tiny leaves measuring 0.4 to 0.6 millimeters wide, with pointed acute tips. Its leaves are characterized by asymmetrical under-leaves and over-leaves, with the under-leaves slightly longer and often sickle-shaped, creating a complex and intricate texture. Sparse cone-like structures measuring 3 to 10 millimeters emerge from the plant's delicate branching structure, adding to its subtle botanical complexity.

Habitat: Shaded sites, sandy or gravelly soils, at base of rocks, in cracks

Elevation: < 1100 m

Bioregions: e PR, DSon

California counties: Riverside, Imperial, San Diego

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.