How much sun does Foxtail Clubmoss need?

Foxtail Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Foxtail Clubmoss native?

Foxtail Clubmoss (Lycopodiella alopecuroides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Foxtail Clubmoss HOA-friendly?

Foxtail Clubmoss takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Foxtail Clubmoss

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lycopodiella alopecuroides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 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

Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Foxtail clubmoss is a unique evergreen ground cover that forms dense, moss-like mats with distinctive upright fertile stems resembling tiny foxtails. This ancient plant thrives in partially shaded, consistently moist areas and adds textural interest to woodland gardens. It spreads slowly by underground stems to create a soft, carpet-like effect.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Very unusual appearance may seem weedy to untrained eyes
Primitive plant form looks unlike typical landscaping
Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear unkempt

Wildlife value

As a primitive plant that reproduces by spores rather than flowers, foxtail clubmoss does not attract pollinators but provides shelter and nesting material for small ground-dwelling creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Foxtail Clubmoss need?: Foxtail Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Foxtail Clubmoss native?: Foxtail Clubmoss (Lycopodiella alopecuroides) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Foxtail Clubmoss HOA-friendly?: Foxtail 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.

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