How much sun does Stiff Clubmoss need?

Stiff Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Stiff Clubmoss native?

Stiff Clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum) is native to AZ, CO, CT, ID and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Stiff Clubmoss toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Stiff Clubmoss as toxic to livestock.

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

Lycopodium annotinum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Stiff Clubmoss (Lycopodium 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Stiff Clubmoss as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AZ, CO, CT, ID and 24 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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 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 that forms small, dense mats with upright branching stems covered in tiny needle-like leaves. This ancient plant reproduces by spores rather than flowers and creates a soft, moss-like ground cover. It naturally grows in cool, moist forest environments and maintains its green color year-round.

In an HOA neighborhood

Stiff Clubmoss takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Unusual moss-like appearance may be unfamiliar to HOAs
Very informal growth habit lacks traditional landscaping structure
Spore structures can look odd or unkempt to conventional tastes

Wildlife value

This plant provides minimal direct wildlife value as it does not produce flowers for pollinators. It may offer some shelter for very small ground-dwelling insects and contributes to soil stability.

Common questions

How much sun does Stiff Clubmoss need?: Stiff Clubmoss grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Stiff Clubmoss native?: Stiff Clubmoss (Lycopodium annotinum) is native to AZ, CO, CT, ID and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Stiff Clubmoss toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Stiff Clubmoss as toxic to livestock.
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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