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Ledge Spikemoss

Selaginella rupestris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Ledge Spikemoss (Selaginella rupestris)
Photo: [Michio Murakoshi (1872-1948) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Ledge Spikemoss (Selaginella rupestris) 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

low

Size

2"–8" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 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

Northwestern Forested MountainsHigh PlainsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsPiedmontNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Rock spikemoss is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that forms dense, moss-like mats. This drought-tolerant native thrives in rocky or sandy soils and creates a soft, textured carpet that stays green year-round.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ledge Spikemoss 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.

  • Moss-like appearance may seem unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
  • Very low profile can appear sparse in formal settings
  • Unfamiliar plant type may be questioned by HOA boards

Wildlife value

As a primitive plant, rock spikemoss provides minimal direct wildlife value but offers shelter for small insects and contributes to soil stability in natural areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Ledge Spikemoss need?
Ledge Spikemoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Ledge Spikemoss native?
Ledge Spikemoss (Selaginella rupestris) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Ledge Spikemoss HOA-friendly?
Ledge Spikemoss 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

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