This evergreen perennial has short tangled creeping stems that are densely covered in tiny scale like-leaves that are arranged in a flattened forked branchlets and forms a compact rounded habit. It hasthe small cones that release spores during a late spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Selaginella tamasriscinais naturally found growing throughout Japan from Honshu to Shikoku, and Kyushu and Hokkaido and it is terrestrial or epiphytic with the rhizophores restricted to the base of the stem. It is also endemic to China, Korea, the Philippines and northern India commonly growing amongst shaded limestone rocks in woodlands in the lower mountains at an altitude from 500 m (1640 ft) to 1,500 m (4,921 ft).

It prefers a moderately drained organic rich moist soil with a pH range of 6-7. It grows in a semi-shaded protected position and is frost, drought and deer tolerant.

This perennial is grown for its foliage and its spreading habit. It is planted in small or herb gardens as a specimen or used in moist shaded rockeries. It has also grown in pots, hanging baskets and tubs or used in woodland settings along shaded water courses. It is suitable for low-mountain regions and establishes in 2-3 years. It is also cultivated commercially for its herbal use and is planted in Japanese gardens. ID 3379

Note:
This plant is not commonly cultivated outside its native region and may be difficult to obtain requiring a specialist nursery.

Selaginella (sell-lah-gi-NEL-uh) tamasriscina(tam-ar-is-KEE-nuh)

Selaginellaceae (sell-lah-gi-NE-AY-see-ee)