Fascinating facts most people will never know about clubmoss

In an attempt to move away from mushrooms (perhaps only briefly), and from edibles (though there is such a bounty out there), this week's focus is on clubmoss!

Not quite true mosses, because they have well-developed vascular systems . . . (i.e. "veins" to transport water and nutrients), clubmosses are low, evergreen herbs that often trail along the ground.

This group of species is a relict of the earliest plants that came onto land some 400 million years ago. Some of their ancestors were tall trees, and they now constitute much of the coal and fossil fuels that we currently extract from the Earth. Some common species include ground cedar (Lycopodium complanatum) which grows in dry, open woods, and bears a resemble to a miniature, scaly cedar bough; stiff clubmoss (L. annotium) which appears somewhat like a bunch of little dark green bottlebrushes growing straight up from horizontal runners; and running clubmoss (L. clavatum), similar to its stiff cousin but with a soft slender bristle at the tips of its stems. Clubmosses reproduce asexually (cloning) and sexually (by spores, which are like tiny, simple seeds that the plants produce and disperse in massive amounts).

Some Druid considered clubmosses to be sacred and collected them according to elaborate rituals, displaying them on alters for good luck. Some Ditidaht however believed that anyone who handled running clubmoss would become lost in the woods. This has not discouraged some of them (as well as people from many other cultures) from using clubmosses for Christmas wreathes and other decorations.

While humans have eaten clubmoss, they are generally described as unappetizing at best, and poisonous at worst (though they are occasionally browsed by moose). Medicinally they have quite a bit to offer. Studies show that clubmosses contain alkaloids that can increase urine flow, relieve spasms, stimulate bowel movements, reduce fever and inflammation, and even combat bacteria and fungi! Fir clubmoss (L. selago) contains 'huperzine', which has been shown to improve learning and memory by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, an essential neurotransmitter, and it is being studied for use in Alzheimer's disease.

The spores of clubmoss are particularly exciting. They are high in oil, which makes them soothing to the skin, resistant to wetting, and flammable. People have of course put these properties to good use, and clubmoss spores have found their way into powder for flash photography, stage lighting, and fireworks. Spores were used traditionally by some Aboriginal groups to dry wounds and treat nose bleeds or diaper rash. More recently they have been used as body powder, as an absorbent in dry shampoos, as a "dry parting compound" in foundry work to prevent metal from sticking to wooden molds, and as a dusting powder for pills, suppositories, latex gloves, and condoms. Some people are allergic to these spores, and there has been concern about "granulomatous masses" (or bumps) on the skin of people using condoms or gloves resulting from this allergy. Not to worry excessively however, these masses are not lethal or carcinogenic, and are easily remedied. Be aware of the cautions included below, but it is of interest to note that the spores themselves have been used as a remedy: for diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism, indigestion, uterine problems, swollen thighs and water retenion.

Cautions: Some clubmosses contain toxic alkaloids that can cause pain, vomiting, or diarrhea when consumed. Clubmoss spores can irritate mucous membranes and damaged skin. Exposure to spores can cause allergic reactions from dermatitis to asthma.