COMMON LYCOPODIUMS OF P.E.l.

To complement Lawrence Watson‘s 'timely' article on Christmas greenery, below is presented a selection of eight club-mosses or Lycopodiums commonly found on Prince Edward Island. Since relatively few members of the Lycopodiaceae family are found in north—eastern North America, it is not at all difficult to become familiar with all of our local species. Keep your eyes open the next time you go walking, and become better acquainted with a fascinating little group of plants which we too often overlook in our preoccupation with the showier woodland ferns and wildflowers.

Lycgpodium flabelliforme or E. complanatum — FAN-SHAPED CLUB-MOSS

This plant grows in the form of a little tree. The creeping stem is generally above ground. Branches are dark green and flattened, with tiny leaves almost reduced to a triangular point. The secondary branches are somewhat fan-shaped. The main branches are almost opposite each other along the upright stem, with successive ascending pairs arranged in a spiral. Clusters of up to four or five spikes are set on top of long stalks with few leaves. Spores mature in October. Fan-shaped club-moss grows in mixed woods, pastures, sandy soil or spruce woods.

Lycopodium flabelliforme

Lycopodium tristachyum - THREE-SPIKED CLUB-MOSS

This tree—like plant grows from a deeply buried root- stalk. Branches are stiff, narrow, erect and flattish. Leaves have a bluish cast. Branching from the main stem is irregular. There are constrictions present at intervals on the branches marking the end of each year's growth. The spikes, which mature in early August, grow in clusters on long leafless stalks. Three-spiked club- moss needs light and grows in sandy places, light or gravelly soils, dry barrens and sandy woods.

Lycopodium tristachyum

IO