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Creeping Spikemoss

Selaginella apoda

Last reviewed: July 2026

Creeping Spikemoss (Selaginella apoda)
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Creeping Spikemoss (Selaginella apoda) 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

2"–6" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Selaginella apoda is a tiny, moss-like evergreen plant that forms dense, carpet-like mats close to the ground. This native spikemoss spreads slowly and maintains its green color year-round, making it useful as a groundcover in shaded areas with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Spikemoss 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.

  • Extremely small and moss-like appearance may look unkempt
  • Can appear patchy or weedy in formal landscapes
  • Very low profile may be mistaken for lawn problems

Wildlife value

As a spore-producing plant rather than a flowering species, this plant provides minimal direct value to pollinators but can offer some habitat for small insects and invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Creeping Spikemoss need?
Creeping Spikemoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Creeping Spikemoss native?
Creeping Spikemoss (Selaginella apoda) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Creeping Spikemoss HOA-friendly?
Creeping Spikemoss 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Creeping Spikemoss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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