Lycopodium clavatum L.

Stag's Horn Clubmoss

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Stag’s Horn Clubmoss is a native herbaceous perennial in the Clubmoss Family (LYCOPODIACEAE). It is widespread, occurring in North, Central, and South America; the Caribbean; Europe; Asia; Africa; and on Pacific islands. However, it is currently only known from Clay county in east-central Alabama. Stag’s Horn Clubmoss occurs in acidic coniferous or hardwood forest on mountain slopes, in disturbed forests, and along forest edges. It is a perennial with an elongate horizontal stem with appressed leaves that is located above the soil surface. Scattered roots develop along the underside of the creping stem and upright stems along the upper surface. The upright stems have 3-6 branches, mostly towards the lower half of the stem. The leaves of the branches and upright stems are spreading, linear in outline, with entire margins and a hair-like tip. The leaves are often a yellow-green color. Stag’s Horn Clubmoss reproduces by forming spores. The spores are located in sporangia that are grouped together in a club-like structure known as a strobolis. There are 2-5 strobili on upright forked peduncles that are taller than the vegetative shoots. This species is often collected for wreaths and Christmas decorations. Stag's Horn Clubmoss has been used as a homoeopathic treatment for digestive problems, eczema, and emotional disorders.—A. Diamond.

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Native

Diamond, A.R. 2020. Vascular plant species new to the flora of Alabama. Castanea 85(1): 139–145.