Lycopodiella alopecuroides explained

Lycopodiella alopecuroides, the foxtail clubmoss, is a species of perennial vascular plant in the club-moss family, Lycopodiaceae.^[1] It is commonly found along the Atlantic seaboard and has been recently been discovered in the state of Maine.^[2] The family, Lycopodiaceae contains nearly 15 genera and about 375 species^[3]

Originally named by Linnaeus,^[4] this species has since been reviewed by Raimond Cranfill. Foxtail clubmoss is the common name for Lycopodiella alopecuroides (L.) Cranfill. This species has horizontal stems growing 100 to 450 mm in length and 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter.^[5] Its leaves have marginal teeth near the base, and the plant itself seems to have a high tendency to arch.^[6] The plant itself typically inhabits wet, sandy soils and peat swamps.^[7]

It has spores containing a flammable powder which was historically used in flash photography. This spore powder was also used by ‘fire-breathers’ in the circus.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Lycopodiella in Flora of North America @ efloras.org. www.efloras.org. 2019-11-19.
2. Arthur, Marshfield. Gilman, Vermont. 2004. Lycopodiella alopecuroides (L.) Cranfill Foxtail bog-clubmoss. New England Plant Conservation Program. 508/877-7630.
3. Web site: Plant Systematics: Lycopodiaceae. personal.denison.edu. 2019-11-13.
4. Web site: Plants Profile for Lycopodiella alopecuroides (foxtail clubmoss). plants.usda.gov. 2019-11-13.
5. Web site: Club moss : Lycopodiella alopecuroides. Byres. David. web.fscj.edu. 2019-11-13.
6. Gillespie. James P.. 1962. A Theory of Relationships in the Lycopodium inundatum Complex. American Fern Journal. 52. 1. 19–26. 10.2307/1546470. 0002-8444. 1546470.
7. Web site: Lycopodiella alopecuroides (foxtail bog-clubmoss): Go Botany. gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org. 2019-11-13.
8. Web site: Club moss : Lycopodiella alopecuroides. Byres. David. web.fscj.edu. 2019-11-13.