• Image of Selaginella pallescens taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG

Selaginella pallescens

Pale Spikemoss

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Selaginella

Item #: 9689

Zones: 7b to 10b

Dormancy:

Height: 4" tall

Culture: Part Sun to Light Shade

Origin: Mexico

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


(aka: Selaginella emmeliana) Selaginella pallescens hails from the high mountains (up to 7,500' elevation) of the Sierra Madre Occidental in western and central Mexico where it can be found in dry woodlands, growing both in the soil and on rocks. Selaginella pallescens is a highly variable species that can reach 1' tall, but our form has never topped 4" in the garden. For us, the flat green fronds layer atop the soil, creating a green, ferny carpet. Our plants, in the ground since 2006, have spread to 2' wide and are deciduous below 15 degrees F. In the North, Selaginella is also prized as a superb, easy-to-grow house plant for indoor terrariums.