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Deeproot Clubmoss

Diphasiastrum tristachyum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Deeproot Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum tristachyum)
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Toxicity unknown

Deeproot Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum tristachyum) 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

6"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 24 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 452 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

PiedmontNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Diphasiastrum tristachyum is a low-growing clubmoss that forms dense, evergreen mats with distinctive branching stems. This native groundcover spreads slowly by underground runners and maintains its blue-green foliage year-round. It thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture and well-draining soil.

In an HOA neighborhood

Deeproot Clubmoss takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Unfamiliar appearance may be mistaken for moss or weeds
  • Very slow establishment can look sparse initially
  • Requires specialized growing conditions that may be difficult to maintain

Wildlife value

This clubmoss provides shelter for small insects and ground-dwelling creatures. While it doesn't produce flowers or attract pollinators, it offers habitat structure in woodland garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does Deeproot Clubmoss need?
Deeproot Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Deeproot Clubmoss native?
Deeproot Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum tristachyum) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Deeproot Clubmoss HOA-friendly?
Deeproot Clubmoss 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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