Selaginella scopulorum
Rocky mountain spike-moss, Rocky Mountain Spike-Moss
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Selaginellaceae · Type: Spikemoss · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Selaginella scopulorum (Rocky mountain spike-moss) is a native California spikemoss in the Selaginellaceae family, recognized by dense cone production creating shaggy appearance and short internodes.
Rocky mountain spike-moss is a native spikemoss found in the northern Klamath Ranges in open, rocky spots and conifer forest at elevations of 1,400 to 2,200 meters. This distinctive plant forms dense mat-like ground covers, with green stems that age to an orange-tan color. Growing with small, intricate leaves measuring 1.6 to 4 millimeters long, its delicate foliage includes lance-linear under-leaves and lanceolate over-leaves with subtle tooth-like awns. Its compact growth habit features shoot internodes generally less than 7 millimeters long, creating a dense, textured ground cover. The plant produces distinctive cones ranging from 10 to 30 millimeters in length, adding visual interest to its low-growing structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 4 sympatric species; key features are dense cone production creating shaggy appearance and short internodes
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open, rocky spots, conifer forest
Elevation: 1400-2200 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Trinity, Placer
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.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 scopulorum native to California?
Yes. Selaginella scopulorum is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Selaginella scopulorum grow?
Selaginella scopulorum occurs in Siskiyou, Trinity, Placer, at elevations of 1400-2200 m.
What plant family does Selaginella scopulorum belong to?
Selaginella scopulorum is in the Selaginellaceae family, genus Selaginella.
Is Selaginella scopulorum rare or endangered?
Selaginella scopulorum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2S3.
What habitat does Selaginella scopulorum grow in?
Selaginella scopulorum grows in Open, rocky spots, conifer forest.
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 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.