Family: Lycopodiaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1104 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Lycopodium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere
Description
The Alpine clubmoss, scientifically known as Lycopodium alpinum, is a fascinating and resilient species belonging to the Lycopodiaceae family. This ancient plant has a rich history and a notable presence in the subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.
First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Lycopodium alpinum has captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts for centuries. The species thrives in cold, mountainous areas, particularly favoring the conditions found in subarctic climates. Its adaptability to such harsh environments makes it a valuable subject of study in understanding plant survival and resilience.
The Alpine clubmoss is characterized by its creeping, evergreen stems that can form dense mats on the forest floor or among rocky outcrops. These mats provide essential ground cover in their ecosystems, helping to prevent soil erosion and maintain ecological balance. The plant’s leaves are small, scale-like, and possess a unique, spirally arranged pattern that adds to its distinctive appearance.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Lycopodium alpinum is its reproductive strategy. Like other clubmosses, this species reproduces through spores rather than seeds. The spores are contained within structures called sporangia, which are often borne on specialized leaves called sporophylls. This primitive method of reproduction links the Alpine clubmoss to some of the earliest terrestrial plants, offering insights into plant evolution.
The Alpine clubmoss serves not only an ecological role but also holds cultural and historical significance. Nordic and alpine cultures have often incorporated parts of the plant in traditional medicinal practices, although its use today is less common. Conservationists are keenly interested in preventing overexploitation and ensuring that populations of this plant continue to thrive in their natural habitats.
In summary, Lycopodium alpinum, or the Alpine clubmoss, is a remarkable and enduring species that contributes significantly to the ecosystems of the Northern Hemisphere’s subarctic and temperate regions. Its botanical history, unique morphology, and ecological importance make it a plant worth protecting and studying for generations to come.
Common Names
En: Alpine clubmoss, Alpine club moss
Da: Bjerg-ulvefod
Fi: Tunturilieko
Fr: Lycopode des Alpes
De: Alpen-Flachbärlapp
Nb: Fjelljamne
Nn: Fjelljamne
Sv: Fjällummer, Tunturilieko
Synonyms
- Lycopodium alpinum f. umbrosum (Porsild)
- Diphasiastrum kablikianum ((Domin) Dostál)
- Lycopodium cupressifolium (Opiz)
- Lycopodium alpinum var. sabinifolium (Eaton)
- Diphasiastrum alpinum var. planiramulosum ((Takeda) Satou)
- Lycopodium alpinum subsp. cupressifolium ((Opiz) Dostál)
- Lycopodium complanatum subsp. alpinum ((L.) Hook.f.)
- Diphasium alpinum ((L.) Rothm.)
- Diphasiastrum alpinum var. ergakense (Stepanov)
- Lepidotis alpina ((L.) P.Beauv.)
- Diphasiastrum complanatum subsp. alpinum ((L.) Jermy)
- Diphasiastrum alpinum ((L.) Holub)
- Stachygynandrum alpinum ((L.) C.Presl)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Altay (native)
- Amur (native)
- Austria (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Chita (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East European Russia (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Kazakhstan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Montana (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Poland (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Québec (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Spain (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Tuva (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Washington (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by Tom Spruit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 20, 2019 by Waldmann Stephanie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2019 by Romain Le Masle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Aug 27, 2019 by Tom Spruit (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 2, 2020 by Lin Yai (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:147130-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lycopodium alpinum L.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2688418)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Growth
Ph maximum: 4.5
Ph minimum: 4.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 2