Club-moss

(genus Lycopodium ) are ancient vascular plants that have survived on Earth for nearly 400 million years. Despite their name, they are not true mosses; they are "fern allies" with complex vascular systems (xylem and phloem) and true roots that allow them to thrive in drier soils and grow taller than non-vascular mosses. Millions of years ago, their ancestors grew as tall as 100-foot trees, forming the vast "coal forests" that eventually became our modern coal deposits. Fascinating Facts & Unique Features How a Clubmoss Plant Sparked My Journey as a Naturalist