Selaginella densa, commonly known as lesser spikemoss, prairie spikemoss, and Rocky Mountains spikemoss, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including grasslands, rocky slopes, and alpine tundra. It is particularly adapted to arid and semi-arid regions, often found in rocky and sandy areas. This lycophyte typically forms dense mats or cushions of creeping stems with small, upright branches, reaching up to 2 inches in height. The leaves are green, lance-shaped, and scale-like, contributing to the plant’s overall fine-textured appearance.

Lesser spikemoss is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and its drought tolerance, making it suitable for rock gardens, xeriscaping, and restoration projects. It is also used in miniature and fairy gardens due to its low-growing, mat-forming habit. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, can tolerate full sun to partial shade, and needs minimal water once established. While it is not prone to many diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0