Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Running-cedar, Fan Ground-pine (Lycopodium digitatum)

Plantae>Lycopodiophyta>Lycopodiopsida>Lycopodiales>Lycopodiaceae>Lycopodium digitatum Dillenius ex A. Braun

Running-Cedar, Fan Ground-Pine (Lycopodium digitatum)

Running-cedar is an evergreen subshrub that spreads by underground runners. During the summer reproductive structures, called strobili, appear. The strobili bear sporangia, which enclose the spores. The strobili at left are immature.

Grayson Co., VA 7/25/10.

Running-Cedar, Fan Ground-Pine (Lycopodium digitatum)

Common throughout North Carolina, it is frequently found in pine forests and other second-growth woodlands.

Hanging Rock, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/2009.

Running-Cedar, Fan Ground-Pine (Lycopodium digitatum)

The leaves form flattened fans, somewhat reminiscent of conifers such as Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis).

Hanging Rock, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/2009.

Running-Cedar, Fan Ground-Pine (Lycopodium digitatum)

Alternate scientific names include Diphasiastrum digitatum and the older Lycopodium flabelliforme.

Hanging Rock, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/2009.

More information:
Bioimages
Ferns and Fern Allies of Wisconsin
Missouri Plants
Southwest Virginia Flora

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