How much sun does Stiff Clubmoss need?

Stiff Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Stiff Clubmoss native?

Stiff Clubmoss (Spinulum annotinum) is native to AL, AZ, CO, CT and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Stiff Clubmoss HOA-friendly?

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

Stiff Clubmoss

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Spinulum annotinum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Stiff Clubmoss (Spinulum annotinum) 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"–16" H × 8"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AZ, CO, CT 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 437 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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Northwestern Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Stiff clubmoss is a low-growing evergreen ground cover that forms dense, spreading mats. Despite its common name, it's not actually a moss but a primitive vascular plant that stays green year-round. It thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture and slowly spreads to create a carpet-like effect.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stiff 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.

Appears moss-like which many HOAs associate with poor maintenance
Very informal spreading habit looks wild rather than landscaped
Unfamiliar to most homeowners and may be seen as weedy

Wildlife value

As a primitive plant that doesn't flower, stiff clubmoss provides limited direct pollinator value. It does offer some shelter for small insects and contributes to soil stability in woodland understory areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Stiff Clubmoss need?: Stiff Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Stiff Clubmoss native?: Stiff Clubmoss (Spinulum annotinum) is native to AL, AZ, CO, CT and 31 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Stiff Clubmoss HOA-friendly?: Stiff 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.

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

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