Christmas Green
Diphasiastrum complanatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 28 more states
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Christmas Green need?
- Christmas Green grows best in part shade conditions.
- Where is Christmas Green native?
- Christmas Green (Diphasiastrum complanatum) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Christmas Green HOA-friendly?
- Christmas Green 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Christmas Green? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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