Running Cedar for Sale

A close-up image of Running Cedar plants with vibrant green foliage, set against a background of forest floor with pine needles.

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$6.39

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7-10 Days

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This evergreen plant 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

Plant Details - Running Cedar Plant

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 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 Plant

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 of Running Cedar Plant

Evergreen provides dense ground cover and grows well in heavy shade

Plant this charming North American forest native 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.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look Upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Under 12"

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.

Plant Reproduction

Running Cedar spreads by releasing spores.

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Perennials, Tubers, and Bulbs

Bare root perennials, tubers, and bulbs are an easy and economical way to jumpstart your garden with lasting beauty. These dormant plants should be planted in early spring or fall while the soil is cool and workable. Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1–2 hours to rehydrate them. Choose a location based on the plant’s light needs—most flowering types prefer full sun, while others thrive in partial shade.

For bare root perennials, dig a shallow hole and spread the roots out naturally, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface. For tubers and bulbs, plant with the pointed side facing up at a depth about two to three times their height. Cover with soil, gently press down, and water thoroughly.

Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth appears. Add mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but avoid covering the crown or bulb tops. Once established, these plants require little maintenance—just seasonal watering, occasional dividing, and deadheading or pruning as needed. With proper care, they’ll return and thrive year after year.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Pretty but delicate

I love the look of Running Cedar, but it seems a bit fragile during handling. Once planted, it’s staying green, but I wish it were hardier.

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Caring Tips

How do I care for my Running Cedar?

Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.

Care Tips

Light Requirements

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.

Hardy Planting Zones

4 • 5 • 6 • 7

Running Cedar