Contents
Description
Dendrolycopodium Obscurum, also known as ground pine, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the Lycopodiaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in woodland environments, particularly in damp and shady areas. This plant is a spore-bearing vascular plant, which means it reproduces through spores instead of seeds. It is characterized by its needle-like leaves and upright stems that can grow up to 30 cm tall. The plant’s roots are shallow and fibrous, and it spreads through rhizomes to form dense colonies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Lycopodiophyta |
| Class | Lycopodiopsida |
| Order | Lycopodiales |
| Family | Lycopodiaceae |
| Genus | Dendrolycopodium |
Appearance
Dendrolycopodium Obscurum has needle-like leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. The leaves are dark green and can grow up to 2 cm long. The plant’s stems are upright and can grow up to 30 cm tall. The stems are covered in small scales that are brown in color. Dendrolycopodium Obscurum does not produce flowers or fruits, but it reproduces through spores that are produced in cone-like structures at the tips of the stems.
Care Guide
Water: Dendrolycopodium Obscurum prefers moist soil, so it should be watered regularly. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Dendrolycopodium Obscurum does not require fertilizer, as it can obtain all the nutrients it needs from the soil.Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soil.Sunlight: Dendrolycopodium Obscurum prefers partial shade or full shade, as it does not tolerate direct sunlight well.Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dendrolycopodium Obscurum is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot if it is overwatered or planted in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Dendrolycopodium Obscurum is native to North America and can be found in woodland environments, particularly in damp and shady areas. It prefers acidic soil and can tolerate slightly alkaline soil. This plant is often used as a ground cover in woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Dendrolycopodium Obscurum be grown indoors?
A: No, this plant is not suitable for indoor growing, as it requires a damp and shady outdoor environment to thrive.
Q: How can I propagate Dendrolycopodium Obscurum?
A: This plant can be propagated through division in the spring or fall. Simply dig up a clump of the plant and separate it into smaller sections, each with its own root system.
Q: Does Dendrolycopodium Obscurum have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, this plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and digestive issues.
Q: Is Dendrolycopodium Obscurum toxic?
A: No, this plant is not toxic to humans or animals.
Related Plants
- Dendrolycopodium Hickeyi
- Dendrolycopodium Phlegmaria
- Lycopodium Clavatum
- Lycopodium Obscurum
References
- USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Dendrolycopodium obscurum (L.) A. Haines. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=DEOB3
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Dendrolycopodium obscurum. Retrieved from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j850
- University of Michigan Herbarium. (n.d.). Dendrolycopodium obscurum (L.) A. Haines. Retrieved from https://herb.umd.umich.edu/herb/search.pl?searchstring=Dendrolycopodium+obscurum
