Marsh Club-moss
Lycopodiella inundata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
2"–8" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
CA, CT, IA, ID and 22 more states
Marsh club-moss is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that forms small spreading mats in moist, shaded areas. This ancient plant produces distinctive club-shaped spore structures in late summer and fall, giving it an unusual prehistoric appearance.
In an HOA neighborhood
Marsh Club-moss takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscapes
- Unfamiliar appearance may be mistaken for moss or weeds
- Very low height makes it nearly invisible in maintained settings
Wildlife value
This plant provides minimal direct wildlife value as it does not produce flowers or nectar for pollinators. It may offer shelter for very small insects and invertebrates within its dense mat-like growth.
Common questions
- How much sun does Marsh Club-moss need?
- Marsh Club-moss grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Marsh Club-moss bloom?
- Marsh Club-moss blooms in July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Marsh Club-moss native?
- Marsh Club-moss (Lycopodiella inundata) is native to CA, CT, IA, ID and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Marsh Club-moss HOA-friendly?
- Marsh Club-moss 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 Marsh Club-moss? 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