Arborvitae fern, but it isn’t a fern at all! Actually its a really big spike moss! A moss with stems and arrow shaped fronds like a fern. To 10″ tall and forming a mounding colony in time. Bright green summer color is replaced by russet red and light brown with winter cold. Spreads slowly underground and new “fronds” unfurl out and up. With great age you’ll get a decent patch. So damn pretty for woodlands in the shade in rich, well drained soil that retains moisture. Regular summer moisture. Slow and easy does it. Its a moss! Can you dig it? Evergreen.
Selaginella braunii
Family: Selaginellaceae Genus: Selaginella
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Mesic, Oregon Coast
Sun exposure: Part Shade, Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn6a -5º to -10ºF
Foliage color: Bronze/Orange, Light Green
Foliage season: Evergreen