hidden spikemoss, Selaginella eclipes

Selaginalla presents like an enthusiastic moss. But it has alternating generations like the ferns and their allies, and fits into that group. Here we have the diploid sporophyte generation. The haploid gametophytes are even smaller. A close look might spot these nestled among larger herbs in damp areas. Selaginella eclipes is sometimes lumped into S. apoda. This photo frame is a couple inches high. The size may explain why it is described as hidden. It grows in AR, CT, IA, IL, IN, KY, MA, MO, NY, OH, OK, WI, ON, and QC. Ives Fen Preserve, Lenawee Co MI, 6/17/17. Spikemoss family, Selaginellaceae.