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, CT, DE, GA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Christmas Green

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Diphasiastrum complanatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Christmas Green (Diphasiastrum complanatum) 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 × 8"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 26 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 445 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Piedmont Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Acadian Plains and Hills

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, CT, DE, GA and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz