Willdenow’s Spikemoss
(Selaginella willdenowii)
Willdenow’s Spikemoss (Selaginella willdenowii)
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Daniel Cahen
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Daniel Cahen
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Daniel Cahen | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Daniel Cahen | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-02-04T14:52:33-08:00 |

























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Selaginella willdenowii, commonly known as Willdenow’s spikemoss or peacock fern, is a perennial herb that exhibits a creeping growth habit. It is native to tropical forests in Southeast Asia, where it thrives in the humid understory on the forest floor. This spikemoss typically forms dense mats with stems that can reach lengths of up to 30 centimeters. The iridescent blue leaves are small, scale-like, and often display a metallic sheen, which is particularly striking when viewed at certain angles in the light. The plant does not produce flowers, but its foliage is highly decorative throughout the year.
Willdenow’s spikemoss is valued for its unique foliage color and texture, making it a popular choice for terrariums, dish gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded garden areas. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. While it is relatively low maintenance, it is sensitive to drought and requires high humidity to maintain its vibrant coloration. In cultivation, it is important to monitor for potential problems such as root rot if overwatered. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should not be planted where it can spread into natural areas outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Willdenow’s spikemoss is valued for its unique foliage color and texture, making it a popular choice for terrariums, dish gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded garden areas. It prefers consistently moist, well-draining soil and thrives in part shade to full shade conditions. While it is relatively low maintenance, it is sensitive to drought and requires high humidity to maintain its vibrant coloration. In cultivation, it is important to monitor for potential problems such as root rot if overwatered. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should not be planted where it can spread into natural areas outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Non-Flowering
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Border Plant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Tropical forests in Southeast Asia
Other Names
Common Names: Prostrate Selaginella, Peacock-Fern
Scientific Names: , Selaginella willdenowii, Lycopodioides caespitosa, Lycopodioides willdenowii, Lycopodium bicolor, Lycopodium caesium subsp. arboreum, Lycopodium caespitosum, Lycopodium laevigatum, Lycopodium willdenovii, Lycopodium willdenovii
GBIF Accepted Name: