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].

General Uses: The plant can be used as a mordant in dyeing[172, 257]. The following uses are for L. clavatum. They quite possibly also apply to this species[K]. The spores are water repellent and can be used as a dusting powder to stop things sticking together[106, 171]. They are also used as a talcum powder and for dressing molds in iron foundries[74]. They can also be used as explosives in fireworks and for artificial lightning[46, 57, 102, 171, 213]. The stems are made into matting[46].

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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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