Stiff Clubmoss
Spinulum annotinum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–16" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
MN
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.
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 Stiff Clubmoss fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.