A Quiet Meeting With Club Moss

A few days ago, during one of our wildcrafting trips, we came across a beautiful patch of Club Moss tucked into a quiet, shaded part of the forest.

At first glance, it almost looked like a tiny grove of evergreen trees — miniature spires rising gently from the mossy ground.

You could walk right past it without ever realizing how ancient and special it really is.

Club Moss growing in early spring

We knelt down to get a closer look, ran our fingers lightly over the soft, delicate branches... and decided to leave it right where it was.

Some things are better left untouched.

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What is Club Moss?

Club Moss (Lycopodium species) is one of the oldest plants on Earth — some types have barely changed since the time of the dinosaurs.

It grows close to the ground, usually in:

Moist, shady forests

Along trailsides

At the base of older trees

It stays green year-round, standing only a few inches tall, and carries a softness that almost makes you second-guess whether it's even real.

Club moss bright yellow tips

Traditional Uses and Benefits

Club Moss has a quiet history in traditional herbalism:

It’s been used to support joint health and reduce inflammation.

Its fine yellow spores were once collected and used like natural talc powder for protecting the skin.

The spores are highly flammable, and were even used in ceremonies and old photography for their quick, bright flash.

Some herbalists also prepared it carefully in teas or tinctures for urinary health — but only in tiny, cautious amounts.

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A Word of Caution

Even though Club Moss is gentle to look at, it’s incredibly potent inside.

Some types can be toxic if not prepared properly, and it grows very slowly, taking years to fully recover once disturbed.

That’s why, when we found it, we chose not to harvest any.

It felt right to simply notice it, appreciate it, and move on.

There’s a kind of medicine in that, too — learning that not every gift from the forest has to be picked.

Final Thoughts

Club Moss reminds me that resilience doesn’t always shout.

Sometimes it grows low to the ground, year after year, asking nothing more than to be left in peace.

And sometimes the wisest thing a wildcrafter can do... is kneel down, smile, and leave things just as they are.

From my family to yours,

— Alberta Wildcraft

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#albertawildcraft

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any wild plants for medicinal purposes. Harvest responsibly and respect the ecosystems you explore.