How much sun does Hickey's Clubmoss need?

Hickey's Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Hickey's Clubmoss native?

Hickey's Clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium hickeyi) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Hickey's Clubmoss HOA-friendly?

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

Hickey's Clubmoss

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dendrolycopodium hickeyi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hickey's Clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium hickeyi) 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

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Hickey's Clubmoss.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Northern Piedmont Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Hickey's tree clubmoss is a small evergreen plant that forms low, spreading mats with delicate, feathery foliage. This species thrives in partially shaded areas with consistent moisture, making it an excellent groundcover for woodland gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hickey's 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.

Very unconventional appearance may be unfamiliar to HOAs
Low growing habit can appear unmanicured
Primitive plant form doesn't fit typical landscaping expectations

Wildlife value

This plant provides winter shelter and habitat for small woodland creatures and insects. As a primitive plant that doesn't produce flowers, it doesn't attract pollinators but supports the broader forest ecosystem.

Common questions

How much sun does Hickey's Clubmoss need?: Hickey's Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Hickey's Clubmoss native?: Hickey's Clubmoss (Dendrolycopodium hickeyi) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hickey's Clubmoss HOA-friendly?: Hickey's 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

Ready to grow Hickey's Clubmoss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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