About Lycopodiella alopecuroides (L.) Cranfill
Lycopodiella alopecuroides, commonly known as foxtail clubmoss, is a species of perennial vascular plant that belongs to the clubmoss family Lycopodiaceae. The Lycopodiaceae family includes nearly 15 genera and around 375 species total. Originally described and named by Linnaeus, this species was later taxonomically reviewed by Raimond Cranfill. Foxtail clubmoss is most commonly found along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States, and populations have recently been discovered in the state of Maine. This species produces horizontal stems that grow between 100 and 450 mm in length, and between 1 and 1.5 mm in diameter. Its leaves have marginal teeth near their base, and the whole plant has a strong tendency to grow in an arched habit. Foxtail clubmoss typically grows in wet, sandy soils and peat swamps. Its spores hold a flammable powder that was historically used for flash photography. This same spore powder was also used by circus fire-breathers in performances.
