About Spinulum annotinum subsp. alpestre (Hartm.) Uotila
Spinulum annotinum is a common, widespread club-moss that spreads via horizontal stems growing along the ground surface. It is typically unbranched or only sparsely branched overall; each upright branch measures 5–25 cm (2–10 in) long, bears few to no additional branches of its own, and has a single spore-producing cone at its tip. Its leaves have tiny teeth along their edges. Sporangia are held within these separate spore cones located at the apex of the branches.
In Finnish traditional medicine, Spinulum annotinum has been used as a treatment for rickets. The plant's spore dust has also been used medicinally to address rashes and inflammation. The spore dust, also called lycopodium powder, has been called kärpäsruuti ('fly gunpowder' in Finnish) because the spores are oily and easily ignited. In Finland, the plant has also been used for decoration in binding crafts.
