Selaginella sp.
Spike-moss, Spike-Moss
Family: Selaginellaceae · Type: Spikemoss · Variable; species dependent
Selaginella sp. (Spike-moss) is a non-native California spikemoss in the Selaginellaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Selaginella sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Selaginella sp. belong to?
Selaginella sp. is in the Selaginellaceae family, genus Selaginella.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.