Fan Clubmoss
Diphasiastrum digitatum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Diphasiastrum digitatum (Fan Clubmoss) is an evergreen ground-hugging plant native to northern regions including Minnesota. This ancient fern ally produces spores rather than flowers and thrives in shaded woodland conditions.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 29 more states
This low-growing, evergreen clubmoss forms dense mats of feathery, fan-like foliage. It spreads slowly by underground stems and maintains its green color year-round. It thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture and well-draining soil.
Growing Fan Clubmoss
Grow Fan Clubmoss in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 24 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fan Clubmoss 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.
- Appears too wild and informal for typical HOA standards
- Low growth habit may be perceived as groundcover weeds
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
Wildlife value
This plant provides shelter and nesting material for small wildlife and ground-dwelling creatures. While it doesn't produce flowers or nectar, its dense evergreen foliage offers year-round cover for beneficial insects and small animals.
Common questions
- Does Fan Clubmoss produce flowers?
- No, Diphasiastrum digitatum does not produce flowers. As a clubmoss, it reproduces by spores rather than seeds, making it more closely related to ferns than to flowering plants.
- Where does Fan Clubmoss naturally grow?
- Fan Clubmoss is native to northern North America, including Minnesota and other northern states. It typically grows in coniferous and mixed forests with acidic, well-draining soils.
- How does Fan Clubmoss spread in the garden?
- Diphasiastrum digitatum spreads slowly by underground rhizomes, forming small colonies over time. It is a very slow-growing plant that can take years to establish and should not be harvested from wild populations.
- Is Fan Clubmoss HOA-friendly?
- Fan 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 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 Fan Clubmoss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz