How to Know the Ferns

by S. Leonard Bastin

As we have seen, the living species of the Club Mosses are comparatively insignificant plants. None the less, most of them are attractive each in its own way, and it is interesting to be able to identify the different kinds. First of all we may consider the five species of Lycopodium.

Lycopodium clavatum. Here the generic name is derived from two Greek words—lukos, “a wall,” and pous, “a foot.” One of the popular names of the plant is Wolf’s Claw; possibly an allusion to the curious branching-stem, although it must be confessed that the plant is not very claw-like. The specific name is derived from the Latin clava, “a club”; this having reference to the cones, or club, which bears the sporangia. The Stag’s Horn Moss, or the Common Club Moss.

Lycopodium Clavatum. The Common Club Moss.

This species has wiry stems of considerable length, sometimes measuring as much as six or eight feet. These run along close to the soil, to which they are attached at intervals by strong roots. The stems which branch in all directions are covered with small narrow leaves, each of which ends in a curious little bristle. This gives to the whole plant a singular grey appearance. These hair-like points to the leaves may be regarded as a distinct feature of the Common Club Moss. In the autumn the fruiting spikes of the Common Club Moss are borne on the ends of erect stalks. The cones are generally about an inch in length, and at times as many as two or three of them may be allotted to each stalk. If closely examined it will be found that the fruiting spikes are composed of a number of leaf-like bracts, each one of which bears the case filled with spores. After the dispersal of the spores the cones fall off, but the plant as a whole remains green throughout the winter.

The Common Club Moss is often very abundant upon the moors of the North of England, and also in Scotland and in Wales. On account of its creeping habit of growth the plant is often overlooked, and few people realize that this Club Moss is really very common. Sometimes single plants cover huge areas of ground, and many of the trailing stems are several feet in length. The spores of this, in common with those of other Lycopodiums, are inflammable; and in the old days these were used in the manufacture of fireworks.

Lycopodium selago. In this case the specific name of selago was that formerly given to all the Club Mosses. The Fir Club Moss.

This is a very pretty little plant, which, on account of its upright habit of growth, attracts a good deal of attention. The stems vary from about three to six inches in height, and these rise upwards from a main stem which sometimes, but not always, trails along the ground for a short distance. The branches are very thickly covered with leaves which overlap one another, and are very stiff. Indeed, the whole plant is covered with the foliage, which, being narrow and pointed, is almost bristle-like in appearance. The colour of the foliage is bright green. The spore capsules are present in the axils of the uppermost leaves of the branches, and these are kidney-shaped. The Fir Club Moss is also very commonly propagated by means of special little buds which appear at the tops of the branches. When these are developed they fall to the ground, and give rise to fresh plants.

The Fir Club Moss is probably almost as common as the Common Club Moss. It should, however, be looked for on elevated moors and the slopes of mountains.