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.
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.
Does Marsh Club-moss fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.