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Tree Groundpine

Lycopodium dendroideum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Tree Groundpine (Lycopodium dendroideum)
Photo: Matt Berger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

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 459 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

Northern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till Plains

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.

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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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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