Known by the common names of Ground Cedar or Fan Clubmoss (Diphasiastrum digitatum). A Clubmoss. Though not a cedar, and not a moss. So much for common names. You can’t depend on them. That scientific name, which is a doozy to remember, is the one you can depend on for accuracy.
This Clubmoss is one of the most primitive of vascular plants. Vascular plants are those that have vessels within their roots, stems, and leaves that carry food and water to the plant cells. The Clubmosses first appeared in the fossil record approximately 400 million years ago. Now it grows as a small plant, but in those first appearances in the Carboniferous period, 350 million years ago, Clubmosses grew to be the height of the tallest trees of today.
Ground Cedar is a plant that I don’t often find around my cabin, so when I see it, I’m thoroughly pleased.
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2 responses to “Ground Cedar”
Bren,
It may not grow around your cabin, but I have seen it a number of times in the lower mountains in Virginia. I had no idea about its history!
Alfred.
Hi Alfred,
For nearly 20 years I attended a star party up in Springfield, Vermont, every summer. I was always enchanted by the Ground Cedar that grows in the woods up there. Now, my son and his family are preparing to move to western Albemarle County, and there in the woods is Ground Cedar! I take that as a good sign!
Thanks so much for reading my posts.
Bren