Running Cedar

Running Cedar is a plant species in the cypress family. It is commonly found in the eastern region of North America, particularly in the Appalachian Mountains. The scientific name of it is Diphasiastrum digitatum, also known as ground cedar, fan clubmoss, and running pine. This article will discuss its characteristics, uses, and significance.

Running Cedar's  Plant Characteristics

It is a small evergreen plant that grows up to 6-8 inches tall. It has a creeping stem with tiny, scale-like leaves overlapping, giving the plant a unique appearance. The leaves are arranged in a flat, fan-like pattern that resembles the fronds of a fern. The plant produces a single, upright stem with small, cone-like structures containing spores for reproduction.

Significance of Running Cedar

It is essential to the ecosystem as it provides shelter and habitat for various small animals and insects. It also helps stop soil erosion and adds organic matter to the soil. The plant is also an indicator of the ecosystem's health as it is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions.

Running Cedar's Benefits

It is a unique and significant plant species with medicinal and decorative uses. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem and indicates the environment's health. The plant's distinct appearance and characteristics make it valuable to any garden or landscape.

Running Cedar is found throughout the U.S., from the Great Lakes to the hills of Tennessee. It is part of the family of clubmosses known as Lycopdodiaceae, found in forest and woodland areas where they enjoy shade. It does not grow to any substantial height.

Growth

It spreads across the floor of the woodland area with its root system, known as runners, that connect the plant to the soil and other branches. The plant is similar to the bough of the cedar tree, which gives It its common name due to its easy-to-identify appearance.

When grown in the wild, their runners are rarely seen because of the large number of leaves and other debris that litter the woodland floor. It is difficult to transplant because it grows extremely slowly and needs moist soil to help it grow.

Because of the location in which it generally grows, it requires as little sun as possible to grow effectively. A part shade planting area will help them grow effectively, with complete shade being the best option for optimum.

Each Summer, a large site emerges from the Running Cedar, growing directly upward and carrying the plant's seeds, usually held around by passing animals. Outside the Summer, they maintain the low-lying appearance that gives them the appearance of a conifer or fern.

Hardy Planting Zones - Four through seven

Bloom Season - Summer

Bloom Color - None

Height at Maturity - Less than six inches

Soil Type Preferred - Well-drained acidic soils

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