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Treelike Clubmoss - Lycopodium dendroideum
Other Names:
Lycopodium obscurum var. dendroideum, Dendrolycopodium dendroideum
State Rank Reason (see State Rank above)
DRAFT: Requesting feedback on the 2026 revised rank, factors, and State Rank Reason outlined in the Conservation Status Rank Report.
Lycopodium dendroideum is rare in Montana, though it is relatively widespread. It occurs primarily in the northwestern corner of the state with outlying populations in Lewis & Clark and Gallatin Counties. Population levels appear to be relatively small, numbering in the low thousands and trends are generally unknown but are thought to have been relatively stable to only minor declines occurring recently. No significant and widespread threats have been identified, though localized impacts are possible from various activities or disturbances. Overall, the species appears to be vulnerable as a result of the few occurrences and low population levels.
Surveys are needed to document population size and extent, habitat quality and potential threats at several of the occurrences. Monitoring at a subeset of populations is needed to be able to determine potential population trends.
General Description
Treelike Clubmoss resembles a miniature coniferous tree. The scattered, branched stems are 12-30 cm high and arise from deep rhizomes. Stems and branches are densely clothed in 6-8 ranks of narrow, sharp-pointed leaves that are 2-5 mm long. The spores, each subtended by a broadly lance-shaped bract, or sporophyll, are 2-4 mm long and are borne in dense, cone-like, brownish, 2-4 cm long spikes located at the tips of erect branches.
Phenology
Producing spores in July.
Diagnostic Characteristics
In other members of the genus, the rhizome is located above or just beneath the surface of the ground. The appearance resembling a miniature evergreen tree is distinctive.
Species Range
Montana Range
Range Descriptions
Native
Range Comments
In MT known only from Glacier and Flathead counties; Asia, AK to NL south to WA, WY and WV (Lesica et al. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. BRIT Press. Fort Worth, TX).
Observations in Montana Natural Heritage Program Database
Number of Observations: 17
(Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version)
Map Help and Descriptions
Relative Density
Recency
(Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts)
Habitat
Moist, coniferous forest in the valley and lower montane zones.
National Vegetation Classification System Groups Associated with this Species
Forest and Woodland
Montane - Subalpine Forest and Woodland
Wetland and Riparian
Peatland
Riparian and Wetland Forest
Stewardship Responsibility
References
- Literature Cited AboveLegend:
View Online Publication- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2012. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 771 p.
- Additional ReferencesLegend: View Online Publication
Do you know of a citation we're missing?
Bursik, R. J., and R. K. Moseley. 1992. Forty-year changes in Hager Lake Fen, Bonner County, Idaho. Cooperative Challenge Cost-share Project, Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Idaho Conservation Data Center, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Boise. 31 pp.- Lellinger, D.B. 1985. A Field Manual of the Ferns and Fern-Allies of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Inst. Press. Washington, D.C. B85LEL01PAUS
- Lesica, P., M.T. Lavin, and P.F. Stickney. 2022. Manual of Montana Vascular Plants, Second Edition. Fort Worth, TX: BRIT Press. viii + 779 p.
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