Christmas Green
Diphasiastrum complanatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
WI
Christmas green is a low-growing native club moss that forms spreading evergreen mats with distinctive flattened, fan-like branches. This ancient plant provides year-round ground coverage in shaded areas and woodland settings. It spreads slowly by underground runners to create attractive carpets of bright green foliage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Christmas Green 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.
- Looks too wild and informal for front yards
- Very slow establishment may appear patchy initially
- Unfamiliar appearance confuses many homeowners
Wildlife value
As a primitive plant, Christmas green does not produce flowers or support pollinators directly. It provides shelter and habitat for small woodland creatures and insects in forest floor ecosystems.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Christmas Green fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.