Riddell’s Spikemoss: A Rare Native Lycopod Worth Knowing
Meet Riddell’s spikemoss (Selaginella arenicola riddellii), a fascinating little plant that’s neither moss nor fern, but something quite special in between. This perennial lycopod is a living link to some of Earth’s most ancient plant lineages, and if you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild, you’re looking at a true botanical treasure.
What Exactly Is Riddell’s Spikemoss?
Don’t let the name fool you – Riddell’s spikemoss isn’t actually a moss at all! It’s a lycopod, which makes it more closely related to ferns than to true mosses. These remarkable plants are evolutionary survivors that have been around for hundreds of millions of years, making them some of the oldest vascular plants on our planet.
Classified as a forb, Riddell’s spikemoss is a vascular plant that lacks significant woody tissue above ground. Unlike trees and shrubs that develop thick, woody stems, this perennial plant keeps its growing buds at or below ground level, helping it survive through different seasons.
Where You’ll Find This Rare Beauty
Riddell’s spikemoss calls the southeastern United States home, with populations documented in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. However, don’t expect to stumble across it on every nature walk – this native plant is quite rare in much of its range.
- Species observed
- No observations
A Conservation Concern
Here’s where things get serious: Riddell’s spikemoss is considered rare across its native range. In Alabama, it holds an S2 rarity status, meaning it’s imperiled and at high risk of extinction. Arkansas populations fare slightly better with an S3 status, but that still means the species is vulnerable.
What does this mean for gardeners and plant enthusiasts? If you’re interested in this species, it’s crucial to only obtain plants through responsible sources – never collect from wild populations. Better yet, consider this an opportunity to appreciate the plant in its natural habitat and support conservation efforts instead.
Is Riddell’s Spikemoss Beneficial in Gardens?
While we don’t have specific information about this subspecies’ role in garden ecosystems, lycopods in general can be interesting additions to specialized native plant collections. However, given its rarity status, Riddell’s spikemoss is better left to conservation efforts and natural habitats rather than home gardens.
If you’re drawn to ancient, unique plants for your landscape, consider exploring other native alternatives that are more common and readily available through ethical nursery sources.
Protecting Our Plant Heritage
Riddell’s spikemoss represents an important piece of our natural heritage. These ancient plants have survived ice ages, continental drift, and massive climate changes, but they’re now facing their greatest challenge yet: habitat loss and human pressure.
The best way to support Riddell’s spikemoss is to:
- Learn to identify and appreciate it in wild settings
- Support habitat conservation in the southeastern states
- Choose abundant native alternatives for your garden projects
- Spread awareness about rare native plants in your community
Sometimes the most meaningful way to connect with a rare plant is simply knowing it exists and doing our part to ensure it continues to thrive in the wild for future generations to discover and admire.