How much sun does Carolina Clubmoss need?

Carolina Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Carolina Clubmoss native?

Carolina Clubmoss (Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Carolina Clubmoss HOA-friendly?

Carolina Clubmoss takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Carolina Clubmoss

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Carolina Clubmoss (Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Slender clubmoss is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover that spreads by underground runners to form dense mats. This native plant produces delicate, upright stems with small, scale-like leaves and creates a soft, moss-like carpet appearance. It thrives in partial shade and works well as an understory groundcover in woodland gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Clubmoss takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very wild, moss-like appearance may look unkempt to neighbors
Low growth habit can appear weedy or neglected
Uncommon plant that many won't recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, slender clubmoss provides habitat and cover for small woodland creatures and insects. Its dense mat structure offers shelter for ground-dwelling invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Clubmoss need?: Carolina Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Carolina Clubmoss native?: Carolina Clubmoss (Pseudolycopodiella caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Carolina Clubmoss HOA-friendly?: Carolina Clubmoss takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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