About Selaginella densa Rydb.
Selaginella densa Rydb. is a species of spikemoss with the common names lesser spikemoss, prairie spikemoss, and Rocky Mountains spikemoss. It is native to western North America, ranging from Alaska to Ontario, the Dakotas, Texas, and far northern California. It grows in a wide variety of habitat types, from grassland to alpine climates of high mountains, in rocky and sandy areas. It is a dominant plant in many types of prairie on the Great Plains, particularly in shortgrass prairie, where it grows alongside dominant grasses. It also grows on windy, exposed, snow-free rock outcrops on mountain peaks in several ranges, including the Cascade Range and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. It is most common on dry soils in open areas, and tolerates desiccation relatively easily. This lycophyte forms mats or cushions of creeping stems that fork into small, upright branches. Its green, linear or lance-shaped leaves are up to 5 millimeters long, including the short, soft bristles at the tips. The leaves are flattened against the stem. Strobili that grow at the ends of the stems can reach up to 3 or 4 centimeters in length. This compact groundcover plant protects soil from erosion, and can be used in landscaping for this purpose.
