Running Cedar - Diphasiastrum digitatum

Running Cedar is a creeping, evergreen plant with needle-like leaves that resemble fern fronds. It is commonly found in moist woodlands and forests. It features leaves that look pretty similar to the boughs of the tree bearing its name. This evergreen plant can make quite an attractive addition to your home, but why might you want to grow it there? Beyond its striking looks, here are a few key reasons it adds value to any yard.

Running Cedar Can Tell You More About Your Environment

It is a fern-like plant that's said to be adept at pulling pollutants out of its surroundings, which can help you improve the overall health of other plants in the area and remove some of the airborne contaminants that might impact your well-being. However, it's worth noting that the most significant benefit is what the plant reveals. Because it removes toxins, changes in the plant's health could indicate issues with the soil or the air that even this hardy little plant can't handle by itself.

Running Cedar Will Stick With You

It takes time to grow, but keep that from fooling you into thinking it will easily be weakened by weather and other threats. This fern ally is pretty hardy, ensuring that it will be able to persist in your space even if it is presented with some climate changes or other changes that other plants in your yard might not be able to withstand.

It creeps along your yard, but it's important to remember that this isn't a traditional moss. This vascular plant has root systems, allowing it to defend against soil erosion more effectively. Its love of moisture also means that it can protect against flooding and absorb more water when it appears.

The plants prefer partial to full shade. It also tolerates some amount of light but grows best in cool and damp conditions of partial shade. 

It is a low-growing, slow-spreading, perennial, evergreen shrub that has feathery and green foliage. It produces thick layers of green matter, which creates a carpet-like feel in shady areas. 

The plant can be grown on well-drained, slightly acidic loamy or silt soils that possess good organic content. It grows best in wet and shaded conditions. 

To maintain it, keep the soil moist but not water-logged and remove weeds to eliminate competition. Trim parts of the plant that have grown out of control in order to promote proper growth. 

Like many other deciduous trees, running cedar that is grown outdoors does not necessarily have to be provided with superior amounts of fertilizers. If necessary, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer that contains an NPK ratio of 1:1:1 early in the growing season. Organic compost is also a good choice.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Care

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) prefers well-drained, acidic soils and thrives in a relaxed, moist environment. Keep the soil always damp but not soggy. Mulch the base to keep dampness and quell weeds. Avoid heavy pruning; remove dead or damaged stems.

Plant Reproduction

Running Cedar spreads by releasing spores.

Planting bare-root perennials is best in any season if they are dormant; we only sell dormant plants. Planting them year-round is also excellent if you can get dormant perennials. When your bare-root perennials arrive, soak the roots in water for a few hours to rehydrate them. Lant by digging a hole wide enough to spread the roots comfortably and deep enough to place the top portion crown (where the roots meet the stem) at or slightly above ground level. Position the plant in the hole, backfill with native soil, and gently firm the soil around the roots—water well after planting to settle the soil around the plant and eliminate air. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep weeds at bay and moisture locked in, keeping the mulch away from the crown. Irrigate plants regularly during the first few weeks of drought; never water in full sun, and water late in the evenings to ensure the roots are established well. Fertilize sparingly in the first year, using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in subsequent years as needed. 

Shipping date depends on the date displayed and chosen when you order from the product's page.

We only accept returns on plants verified dead. If you think your plants have died, we offer a 1 year warranty, please use use this File a Claim Link to verify dead plants and start with return warranty process.