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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Lycopodium obscurum is a FERN growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Analgesic Antispasmodic Diuretic Miscellany Styptic Tonic

The plant is analgesic, antispasmodic, blood tonic, diuretic and tonic[218, 257]. A decoction has been used as a herbal steam in the treatment of rheumatism[257]. The spores of this plant are dusted on wounds or inhaled to stop bleeding noses. They can also be used to absorb fluids from injured tissues[213, 218, 257]. The spores can be used as a dusting powder to prevent pills sticking together[213].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Miscellany Mordant Weaving

The following uses are for L. clavatum. They quite possibly also apply to this species[K]. The spores are water repellent and can be used as a dusting powder to stop things sticking together[106, 171]. They are also used as a talcum powder and for dressing moulds in iron foundries[74]. They can also be used as explosives in fireworks and for artificial lightning[46, 57, 102, 171, 213]. The plant can be used as a mordant in dyeing[172]. The stems are made into matting[46].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Thrives in a rough spongy peat in a shady position[1]. Requires a humid atmosphere[200]. Terrestrial members of this genus are hard to establish. The roots are delicate and liable to rot, most water being absorbed through the foliage[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233]. Although looking more like a moss, this genus is closely related to the ferns[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Spores - best sown as soon as they are ripe on the surface of a humus-rich sterilized soil. Keep the compost moist, preferably by putting a plastic bag over the pot. Pot on small clumps of plantlets as soon as they are large enough to handle and keep humid until they are well established. Do not plant outside until the ferns are at least 2 years old and then only in a very well sheltered position. The spores are generally produced in abundance but are difficult to grow successfully[200]. Layering of growing tips[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Lycopodium annotinum	Stiff Club Moss	Fern	0.5	-	LM	SN	M	0	0	2
Lycopodium campanulatum		Fern	0.0	3-7	LM	FS	M	0	1	1
Lycopodium clavatum	Common Club Moss, Running clubmoss	Fern	0.1	10-12	LM	FS	M	0	3	3
Lycopodium complanatum	Ground Pine, Groundcedar	Fern	0.1	3-7	LM	FS	M	0	3	2
Lycopodium lucidulum	Shining Club Moss	Fern	0.2	4-8	LM	FS	M	1	0	1
Lycopodium selago	Fir Clubmoss	Fern	0.3	-	LM	FS	M	1	2	1
Lycopodium serratum	Club Moss	Fern	0.1	-	LM	FS	M	0	2	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Lycopodium obscurum - L.