Selaginella uncinata
Low-growing, shade-loving temperate Asian lycophyte with iridescent blue-green, fern-like foliage that forms a dense, moss-like groundcover, ideal for terrariums and containers, easily propagated by division or tip cuttings, with a strobilus at the tip of each branch
Common Names
Peacock Moss, Peacock Spikemoss, Blue Spikemoss, Rainbow Moss, Peacock Fern, Rainbow Fern
Summary
Peacock Spikemoss is native to China and Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen, fern-like lycophyte that forms a low-growing, creeping groundcover with a moss-like mat and delicate, iridescent blue-green foliage that can appear metallic under proper humidity, giving a distinctive visual texture.
It prefers shade and consistently moist, well-drained soil in humid environments. It is commonly used as a terrarium plant, in containers, hanging baskets, or as a shaded garden accent. Propagation is by division or spores. It can be grown outdoors in suitable climates and overwintered indoors in cooler areas, with direct sun avoided to preserve color.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
3-6 inches
Spread
12-18 inches
Hardiness Zones
Zones 6a-10b
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally partial shade.
Soil Type
Moist, well-drained, organic-rich loamy soil
Soil Drainage
Moist but well-drained soil
Soil pH
5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Bloom Color
Insignificant
Bloom Time
No bloom time
Foliage Color
Blue-green
Fall Foliage Color
Blue-green
Leaf Lifecycle
Evergreen broadleaf
Growth Rate
Moderate
Seasons of Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Propagation Methods
Spores, Cuttings, Division, Layering
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees and other pollinators
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (Desv.) Spring
- Publication
- Bull. Acad. Roy. Sci. Bruxelles 10(1): 141 (1843)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Lycopodiophyta
- Class
- Lycopodiopsida
- Order
- Selaginellales
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
- Genus
- Selaginella
Synonyms
Lycopodioides uncinatum Selaginella eurystachya Lycopodium uncinatum