Ground Pine, Rare clubmoss

Lycopodium obscurum

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.

Distribution

Northern N. America and E. Asia - China, Japan and Siberia.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

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].

Known Hazards

The plant contains lycopodine, which is poisonous by paralysing the motor nerves[21, 218]. It also contains clavatine which is toxic to many mammals[218]. The spores, however, are not toxic[21].