Skip to main content

Ground Pine

Dendrolycopodium obscurum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Ground Pine (Dendrolycopodium obscurum)
Photo: (c) Skyler Principe, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Ground Pine (Dendrolycopodium obscurum) 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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 23 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

Ground pine is a native club moss that forms dense, evergreen colonies resembling miniature conifer forests. This ancient plant spreads by underground rhizomes and maintains its distinctive tree-like appearance year-round. It thrives in partially shaded woodland gardens and naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ground Pine 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.

  • Spreads aggressively and can look wild or uncontrolled
  • May be mistaken for weeds by those unfamiliar with native plants
  • Takes years to establish and can appear sparse initially

Wildlife value

While not a pollinator plant, ground pine provides shelter and nesting material for small woodland creatures. The dense colonies offer cover for ground-dwelling insects and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Ground Pine need?
Ground Pine grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Ground Pine native?
Ground Pine (Dendrolycopodium obscurum) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 23 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Ground Pine HOA-friendly?
Ground Pine 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.

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

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

Add this plant to your garden
iPhone appAndroid app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz