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Running Cedar Plant

Fan clubmoss provides a splash of green during the dreary winter months in a woodland garden setting. Its leaves produce a dazzlingly glossy surface, and while it is mostly shaded during the summer season, it will glisten and shine when struck by sunlight. The combination of the glossy leaves and unique spiral growth habit entices you to reach out and touch this yielding yet sturdy plant. Because it produces a consistent, dense ground cover, birds and small rodents use their colonies as habitat.

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Vibrant green feathery fronds of Running Cedar clubmoss plant
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Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Now

Planting Zone

4-7

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Water Needs

Low

Sun or Shade

Partial shade

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.

Exposure

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for shaded woodland gardens or under-tree canopies where it can enjoy indirect light and humidity.

Plant Attributes

Low Maintenance Evergreen , Leaves that resemble tiny clubs, Helps smother weeds under shrubs

Fan clubmoss provides a splash of green during the dreary winter months in a woodland garden setting. Its leaves produce a dazzlingly glossy surface, and while it is mostly shaded during the summer season, it will glisten and shine when struck by sunlight. The combination of the glossy leaves and unique spiral growth habit entices you to reach out and touch this yielding yet sturdy plant. Because it produces a consistent, dense ground cover, birds and small rodents use their colonies as habitat.

Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Now

Planting Zone

4-7

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Water Needs

Low

Sun or Shade

Partial shade

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.

Exposure

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for shaded woodland gardens or under-tree canopies where it can enjoy indirect light and humidity.

Plant Attributes

Low Maintenance Evergreen , Leaves that resemble tiny clubs, Helps smother weeds under shrubs

Product Details

Running Cedar For Sale

This evergreen plant, Fan clubmoss vine, provides a splash of green during the dreary winter months in a woodland garden setting. Its leaves produce a dazzlingly glossy surface, and while it is mostly shaded during the summer season, it will glisten and shine when struck by sunlight.

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) is a clubmoss that reproduces via strobili and spores. It is native to eastern North American woodland ecosystems and can be found blanketing the earth of both pine and deciduous forests; however, it prefers coniferous forest types. It was awarded its common name due to its resemblance to cedar boughs strewn across the ground

Vibrant running cedar plant with dense green feathery leaves and yellow stems

Running Cedar Plant Details

Family: Lycopodiaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7

Light Requirement: Partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate to wet

Height: 3 to 8 in

Spread: 3 to 5 in

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: July to October, reproduces via strobili

Flower Color: Pale yellow strobili

Wildlife Value: Habitat for ground-nesting birds

When in a colony, this friendly plant is hypnotizing, making it hard to tell one plant from the other, enchanting you to move closer to investigate. The combination of the glossy leaves and unique spiral growth habit entices you to reach out and touch this yielding yet sturdy plant. As it produces a consistent and dense ground cover, birds and small rodents use their colonies as habitat.

This plant is medicinal and has been used since ancient times for a variety of ailments. It has been used to treat urinary tract infections and relieve skin ailments. It was even used to induce labor for pregnant women.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance

Running Cedar can tolerate moist to dry soils; however, it prefers acidic soil. It will even grow in heavily shaded areas. This plant is slow-growing, but it forms widely sweeping clonal colonies when established plants are allowed to spread.

While this plant is a delightful woodland garden addition, it is notably difficult to propagate from transplant. However, it is achievable and many of TN Nursery’s customers have successfully grown this charming forest ground cover.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plant Running Cedar close to home and enjoy the added texture and vibrant green foliage in your woodland garden landscape throughout the year. Shop for Running Cedar online at TN Nursery.

Green plant labeled 'Running Cedar' on a white background

Pollutant Removal: 

Running Cedar helps improve air quality and plant health by pulling pollutants from its surroundings.

Lush Ground Cover: 

Running Cedar spreads out to create a lush green ground cover enhancing the aesthetic of any yard.

Hardy Growth: 

Despite its slow growth Running Cedar is resilient and withstands climate changes and environmental stress.

Erosion Control: 

Its extensive root system makes Running Cedar effective at preventing soil erosion and managing flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Running Cedar come back every year?

Yes, Running Cedar comes back every year and stays green all year long. It spreads gently across the ground, forming soft, carpet-like mats. This hardy evergreen adds lasting beauty and texture to shaded gardens and woodland areas.

Does Running Cedar need sun?

Running Cedar, also known as ground cedar, grows best in partial to full shade. It thrives under trees or in woodland areas where the soil stays moist and rich. Its lush, evergreen texture makes it a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover for shaded spots.

Where is the best place to plant Running Cedar?

Running Cedar grows best in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. It thrives under trees or in woodland gardens where conditions stay cool and humid. Once established, it forms a lush, evergreen carpet that adds beauty year-round.

Why Buy Bare Root Plants From TN Nursery?

Since 1959, TN Nursery has grown and shipped quality bare root plants nationwide. Shipped during dormancy, bare-root plants develop strong root systems and establish quickly. Our experienced team carefully harvests and packages every order, providing growers with trusted plants backed by over 65 years of nursery experience.

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