Tree Groundpine
Lycopodium dendroideum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Tree Groundpine (Lycopodium dendroideum) 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
12"–24" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, CT, IA, 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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Ground pine is an evergreen clubmoss that forms dense, low carpets resembling miniature conifer forests. This ancient plant grows slowly and prefers shaded woodland conditions with consistent moisture. It maintains its attractive evergreen appearance year-round and is excellent for naturalizing shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tree Groundpine 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.
- Very unconventional appearance may confuse neighbors
- Spreads unpredictably and can look sparse
- Requires specialized growing conditions
Wildlife value
Provides shelter and habitat for small woodland creatures and insects. Does not produce flowers or attract pollinators but contributes to forest floor ecosystem diversity.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tree Groundpine need?
- Tree Groundpine grows best in part shade conditions.
- Where is Tree Groundpine native?
- Tree Groundpine (Lycopodium dendroideum) is native to AL, CT, IA, ID and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Tree Groundpine HOA-friendly?
- Tree Groundpine 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 Tree Groundpine? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz