Club Moss

Lycopodium serratum

Physical Characteristics

Lycopodium serratum is a FERN growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). 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

E. Asia - China.

Habitats

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

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diuretic Miscellany Women's complaints A decoction of the plant is antispasmodic and diuretic, it is also used in the treatment of irregular menstruation[218]. 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]. 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].