Stiff Clubmoss
Spinulum annotinum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states
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, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Stiff Clubmoss? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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