Lycopodium complanatum Ground pine (Lycopodiaceae) Evergreen fern

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Lycopodium complanatum
Ground pine
Evergreen fern
(1 Page of 5)

The Lycopodium complanatum plant species is found in Europe to E. Asia and northern N. America. It is a member of the Lycopodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Ground pine.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Lycopodium complanatum
Common Name:  Ground pine
Family:  Lycopodiaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant contains lycopodine, which is poisonous by paralizing the motor nerves[21, 218]. It also contains clavatine which is toxic to many mammals[218]. The spores, however, are not toxic[21].

Mature Height:  0.05   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Moist coniferous woods, from lowlands to moderate elevations in the mountains of Western N. America[60].

Medicinal Information: A decoction of the plant is analgesic, antirheumatic, caminative, mildly diuretic, stomachic and tonic[4, 218, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of urinary and kidney disorders, catarrhal cystitis, gastritis etc[238]. It is applied externally to skin diseases and irritations[238]. The plant can be harvested all year round and is used fresh or dried[238]. The spores of this plant are antipruritic, decongestant, diuretic and stomachic[4]. They are applied externally as a dusting powder to various skin diseases, to wounds or inhaled to stop bleeding noses[4, 7]. They can also be used to absorb fluids from injured tissues[213, 218]. The spores are harvested when ripe in late summer[9]. The spores can also be used as a dusting powder to prevent pills sticking together[4, 213]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the spores[232]. It has a wide range of applications including dry coughs, mumps and rheumatic pains[232, 238].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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