Vibrant green feathery fronds of Running Cedar clubmoss plant

Running Cedar Plant

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$7.99
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Running Cedar Plant

$7.99
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Vibrant green feathery fronds of Running Cedar clubmoss plant
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Planting & Growing Information

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Planting Zone

4-7

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Partial shade

Care

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) prefers well-drained, acidic soils and thrives in a relaxed, moist environment. Keep the soil always damp but not soggy. Mulch the base to keep dampness and quell weeds. Avoid heavy pruning; remove dead or damaged stems.

Exposure

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for shaded woodland gardens or under-tree canopies where it can enjoy indirect light and humidity.

Plant Attributes

Low Maintenance Evergreen , Leaves that resemble tiny clubs, Helps smother weeds under shrubs

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Planting & Growing Information

Ships

Ships Now

Planting Zone

4-7

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

Water Needs

Low and Moderate

Sun or Shade

Partial shade

Care

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) prefers well-drained, acidic soils and thrives in a relaxed, moist environment. Keep the soil always damp but not soggy. Mulch the base to keep dampness and quell weeds. Avoid heavy pruning; remove dead or damaged stems.

Exposure

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) thrives in partial to full shade. It prefers low to moderate light conditions, making it ideal for shaded woodland gardens or under-tree canopies where it can enjoy indirect light and humidity.

Plant Attributes

Low Maintenance Evergreen , Leaves that resemble tiny clubs, Helps smother weeds under shrubs

Customer Favorites That Go Will With Running Cedar Plant

Running Cedar Plant Details

Running Cedar For Sale

This evergreen plant, Fan clubmoss vine, provides a splash of green during the dreary winter months in a woodland garden setting. Its leaves produce a dazzlingly glossy surface, and while it is mostly shaded during the summer season, it will glisten and shine when struck by sunlight.

Running Cedar (Diphasiastrum digitatum) is a clubmoss that reproduces via strobili and spores. It is native to eastern North American woodland ecosystems and can be found blanketing the earth of both pine and deciduous forests; however, it prefers coniferous forest types. It was awarded its common name due to its resemblance to cedar boughs strewn across the ground

Running Cedar Plant Details

Family: Lycopodiaceae

Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7

Light Requirement: Partial shade

Water Needs: Moderate to wet

Height: 3 to 8 in

Spread: 3 to 5 in

Growth Rate: Slow

Bloom Time: July to October, reproduces via strobili

Flower Color: Pale yellow strobili

Wildlife Value: Habitat for ground-nesting birds

When in a colony, this friendly plant is hypnotizing, making it hard to tell one plant from the other, enchanting you to move closer to investigate. The combination of the glossy leaves and unique spiral growth habit entices you to reach out and touch this yielding yet sturdy plant. As it produces a consistent and dense ground cover, birds and small rodents use their colonies as habitat.

This plant is medicinal and has been used since ancient times for a variety of ailments. It has been used to treat urinary tract infections and relieve skin ailments. It was even used to induce labor for pregnant women.

Landscape Uses and Maintenance

Running Cedar can tolerate moist to dry soils; however, it prefers acidic soil. It will even grow in heavily shaded areas. This plant is slow-growing, but it forms widely sweeping clonal colonies when established plants are allowed to spread.

While this plant is a delightful woodland garden addition, it is notably difficult to propagate from transplant. However, it is achievable and many of TN Nursery’s customers have successfully grown this charming forest ground cover.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Plant Running Cedar close to home and enjoy the added texture and vibrant green foliage in your woodland garden landscape throughout the year. Shop for Running Cedar online at TN Nursery.


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Pollutant Removal: 

Running Cedar helps improve air quality and plant health by pulling pollutants from its surroundings.

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Lush Ground Cover: 

Running Cedar spreads out to create a lush green ground cover enhancing the aesthetic of any yard.

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Hardy Growth: 

Despite its slow growth Running Cedar is resilient and withstands climate changes and environmental stress.

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Erosion Control: 

Its extensive root system makes Running Cedar effective at preventing soil erosion and managing flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Running Cedar come back every year?

Yes, Running Cedar comes back every year and stays green all year long. It spreads gently across the ground, forming soft, carpet-like mats. This hardy evergreen adds lasting beauty and texture to shaded gardens and woodland areas.

Does Running Cedar need sun?

Running Cedar, also known as ground cedar, grows best in partial to full shade. It thrives under trees or in woodland areas where the soil stays moist and rich. Its lush, evergreen texture makes it a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover for shaded spots.

Where is the best place to plant Running Cedar?

Running Cedar grows best in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. It thrives under trees or in woodland gardens where conditions stay cool and humid. Once established, it forms a lush, evergreen carpet that adds beauty year-round.

Root system of a plant on soil with a trowel nearby

Why Buy Bare Root Plants From TN Nursery?

Since 1959, TN Nursery has grown and shipped quality bare root plants nationwide. Shipped during dormancy, bare-root plants develop strong root systems and establish quickly. Our experienced team carefully harvests and packages every order, providing growers with trusted plants backed by over 65 years of nursery experience.

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Product Highlight

  • 5 stars: 21 (62%)
  • 4 stars: 13 (38%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
R
Richard
I ordered this May 2025 and now here it is 2026

I ordered this May 2025 and now here it is 2026 and it is multiplying and absolutely beautiful in my woodland garden

M
Michael E Rose
Arrived in great condition, and ready to plant.

Soaked for two hours according to directions, and got planted and watered, can't wait!

P
Patrick Sullivan
Good for natural landscaping

This evergreen groundcover looks just like the woods near my childhood home. It’s doing well so far and blending beautifully into my landscape.

R
Rachel Cooper
Perfect evergreen carpet

I’m thrilled with the Running Cedar I ordered! It established quickly and now creates a lush, deep-green carpet that stays vibrant year-round.

C
Caroline Brooks
Easy low-maintenance plant

Once planted, Running Cedar practically took care of itself. No fuss at all, just slow but steady growth. Looks great along my shady path.

S
Stephanie Miles
Woodland groundcover

Running Cedar gives such a natural forest feel to my shady garden. It’s growing steadily and staying green even through the colder months.

I
Isabella Martinez – Michigan
Running Cedar Adds Natural Beauty

TN Nursery’s Running Cedar is perfect for creating a natural forest look. The plants were healthy on arrival and adapted quickly to my yard.
Isabella Martinez – Michigan

A
Alexander Brooks – Georgia
Beautiful Running Cedar From TN Nursery

The lush greenery of my Running Cedar is stunning. It came fresh and vibrant, and within weeks, it has begun to cover the ground with dense, attractive foliage.

R
Rebecca Ford – Kentucky
Thriving Running Cedar Ground Cover

I bought Running Cedar for a woodland section of my property, and it’s absolutely thriving. TN Nursery delivered healthy plants that established quickly.

M
Matthew Sullivan – Ohio
Perfect Running Cedar for Shaded Areas

The Running Cedar arrived in excellent condition and is thriving in the shaded part of my backyard. TN Nursery provides top-notch quality every time.

C
Caroline Hughes – Pennsylvania
Best Running Cedar I’ve Ever Purchased

TN Nursery sent me healthy and vigorous Running Cedar. It is already spreading beautifully and adding rich greenery to my landscape.

J
Jonathan Peters – Virginia
Running Cedar Thrives Beautifully in My Yard

I’m so impressed with the Running Cedar from TN Nursery. It rooted fast, grew strong, and looks fantastic as natural ground cover under my trees.

E
Eleanor Briggs – North Carolina
Healthy Running Cedar Plants From TN Nursery

The Running Cedar I ordered was delivered fresh, carefully packed, and full of life. It has quickly spread across the shaded area of my garden, creating a lush, green carpet.

E
Emily Johnson, Kentucky
Beautiful Running Cedar for Shade Gardens

The running cedar plants from TN Nursery were fresh, carefully packed, and ready to plant. They have created a gorgeous groundcover under my trees.

W
William Cooper, Virginia
Running Cedar That Exceeded Expectations

TN Nursery provided me with running cedar that was healthy, lush, and full of vigor. It established well and continues to thrive in my garden.

R
Rachel Parker, Pennsylvania
Lush and Spreading Running Cedar

My running cedar from TN Nursery is thriving in my woodland area. It spreads quickly, is low-maintenance, and adds a rich evergreen look.

M
Michael Harris Georgia
Excellent Quality Running Cedar Plants

The running cedar I received was in excellent condition. TN Nursery consistently delivers high-quality plants that grow beautifully and last.

A
Amanda Wilson, Florida
Thriving Running Cedar Groundcover

I planted my running cedar from TN Nursery, and it immediately took off. The plants are strong, vibrant, and perfect for natural landscaping.

B
Brian Thompson, Ohio
Best Place to Buy Running Cedar Online

TN Nursery shipped my running cedar promptly, and the plants were packaged with great care. They are thriving and creating a gorgeous evergreen carpet.

J
Jessica Miller, Texas
Healthy Running Cedar from TN Nursery

The running cedar I ordered from TN Nursery arrived fresh, well-rooted, and full of life. It established quickly and is spreading beautifully in my shaded garden.

R
Rhonda Feist
Plants in good shape

After reading negative reviews about TN, I was not optimistic about the condition my plants would arrive in. All 3 species have strong roots and growth. I’m optimistic about spring.

D
Donald Williams
Happy First Time Customer

Ordered several ground coverings. The team was very responsive to my questions via chat when trying to make my choices. Everything arrived quicker than expected and in great condition. I am excited to see what Spring brings me when new growth begins. Thanks for the top quality customer service and plantings.

K
Kathleen DAngelo

Running Cedar

J
Julia Papellas
Looks great

Arrived a bit late, packaged well looked great and seemed to enjoy placement in garden. Will have to give later feedback on how it thrives. Ty

D
Dudley Gilmer
Good shape.

plants in good shape.

K
Kerry OBrien-McMullen
Running Cedar

It came looking very healthy and very interesting. I had no idea it would have so many roots growing out of it. So, we'll make sure all those little feeder roots are properly planted. Right now the are residing in water till we can plant it. Yhank you, Your produts are always so beautiful.

T
Timothy Bensman
High quality running cedar stock

I recently received my order, from TN Nursery, whtch contained four running cedar plants. This was the second order, which I have placed with TN Nursery, which contained running cedar. I have already place three orders with them, this year. All plants that I have recieved have been very healthy and well packaged. They were dormant, however, **** take them long to begin growing. I have been very pleased with all of the plants which I have recieived.
I will definitely recommend TN Nursery, to others.
Thanks

R
Richard Skinner
Cautiously optimistic.

I appreciated learning that running cedar does not transplant readily but love its appearance. The bare roots shipped me look very healthy.

R
Robert Weaver

Plants were beautiful. I immediately planted them. Most reviews of ground cedar say they cannot be transplanted . Is their evidence that they can? Thanks

R
Randy Lopez
Great addition to your spring and summer garden!

Great addition to your spring and summer garden! Plant now in fall for spring growth.

J
Jacquie Naismith

Running Cedar

J
John/Nancy Jamison
Memories

It was so great to see the Running Cedar. We used to have it on our property in the mountains of VA. Now that we are in the flatlands of TN, we hope that it survives.