Selaginella eremophila is a species of spikemoss known by the common name desert spikemoss. It is native to the deserts and adjacent mountains around the intersection of California and Arizona with Baja California. It grows in sandy and rocky habitat. This lycophyte forms dense mats of spreading stems with small, forking branches. The lance-shaped leaves are up to 3 millimeters long on the lower stem surfaces and a little shorter on the upper sides. The tiny leaves have pointed tips with soft, twisted bristles. The strobili bearing the reproductive parts are under a centimeter long.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Desert Spikemoss being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Selaginella arizonica
- Selaginella peruviana
- Selaginella watsonii
- Selaginella hansenii
- Selaginella utahensis
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Lycopodiopsida
- Order
- Selaginellales
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
- Genus
- Selaginella
- Species
- Selaginella eremophila
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