Creeping Spikemoss
Selaginella apoda
Last reviewed: July 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 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 Creeping Spikemoss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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