Exploring Running Cedar

Running Cedar, known as Diphasiastrum digitatum, is a captivating evergreen ground cover. This plant, which thrives in the wild, creates a lush green carpet that is as durable as beautiful. While it might not boast large, showy flowers like other plants, its year-round greenery makes it a desirable addition to many gardens. Its delicate, fern-like leaves spread across the forest floor, creating an environment of quiet serenity. In its natural setting, running Cedar provides a peaceful aesthetic to woodland landscapes. This ancient plant provides a beautiful solution for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that offers visual appeal throughout every season.

Running Cedar is a species of clubmoss and part of the lycopod family. Its ancient roots date back hundreds of millions of years, making it one of the oldest plant types. Its existence-growing, spreading nature gives it its name. The creeping stems, which hug the ground, produce fan-shaped branches extending several feet, making it ideal for covering bare areas in shaded gardens or woodland settings. Its fine texture and feathery appearance particularly appeal to those seeking a natural, serene landscape.

Running Cedar prefers woodland environments and is known for its longevity. It grows slowly but steadily, eventually creating a dense green mat that holds the soil, preventing erosion. Its vibrant green color persists throughout the year, contrasting the browns and grays of winter. Though often found in the wild, running Cedar can be transplanted into home gardens with some care. However, its specific growing conditions must be met for the plant to thrive in a new setting.

Can running Cedar be transplanted?

Transplanting running Cedar is possible, though with its challenges. Because this plant is so profoundly connected to its native environment, it can be sensitive to changes. Transplanting running Cedar from the wild to a garden requires careful attention to its needs, primarily the type of soil and moisture it prefers. Running Cedar thrives in acidic, well-draining soil and does best in shaded or partially shaded areas where it can mimic the conditions of a forest floor. Gardeners attempting to transplant it should aim to reproduce these conditions as closely as possible.

When transplanting, it's essential to dig profoundly and gently around the plant, taking care not to damage its roots, which are typically shallow but extensive. Since running Cedar spreads horizontally, you must take up a wide area to preserve enough of its underground structure. It can be tempting to transplant only small sections, but doing so might result in poor establishment and slow growth. The plant needs time and space to settle into its new home.

Once transplanted, running Cedar requires patience. This is not a fast-growing plant, and it may take several years to establish itself fully in its new environment. During this period, it's crucial to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged and ensure the area remains free from competing weeds or plants that could hinder its growth.

Where does running Cedar grow?

Running Cedar is native to the eastern United States, particularly in forested regions from Maine to Georgia and westward into parts of the Midwest. In its natural habitat, running Cedar thrives in shady, moist environments, often found beneath the canopy of deciduous forests. It prefers acidic soil with good drainage and frequently grows in association with oaks, pines, and hemlocks. Its tolerance for shade makes it well-suited to forest floors, where it spreads slowly but steadily to form dense colonies.

Regarding growing conditions, running Cedar thrives in areas that receive partial to full shade. This plant is well-adapted to the cool, damp understory of mature forests, where it can spread freely without competition from sun-loving plants. Recreating these conditions in cultivated settings is essential to keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Gardens with large trees that offer significant shade and protection from direct sunlight can provide an ideal home for running Cedar.

Do deer eat running Cedar?

Running Cedar has the fortunate distinction of being mostly deer-resistant. This is a significant advantage for gardeners in areas where deer browsing can devastate plants. The leathery texture and low nutrient content of the plant make it an unappealing choice for deer, especially when other, more palatable food sources are available. While deer might occasionally nibble on running Cedar out of curiosity, they generally leave it alone in favor of tastier options.

This resistance to deer makes running Cedar a valuable plant for areas plagued by heavy browsing. Deer can be notorious for decimating gardens, particularly during the colder months when food sources are limited. Running Cedar's ability to remain relatively untouched by deer makes it a reliable choice for ground cover in areas with high deer pressure.

However, gardeners should be mindful of other potential threats to the plant. While deer may not be interested, smaller mammals or insects could occasionally feed on running Cedar, especially when natural predators are absent. Keeping a close eye on the plant during its early growth stages can help prevent unwanted damage.

In conclusion, running Cedar is a unique and ancient plant that can enhance the beauty of any shaded garden. While it may take time and effort to establish, its long-lasting greenery, low maintenance, and resistance to deer browsing make it well worth the investment. When transplanted carefully and placed in the right conditions, running Cedar can thrive, providing a rich, green carpet that connects gardens to the natural woodlands where this plant has grown for millennia. Its ability to blend into and enhance a garden's natural beauty makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a serene, low-maintenance ground cover that evokes the quiet elegance of the forest floor.