Alpine Clubmoss is not a moss but is usually found in uplands on moors and mountains except in the far north of Scotland where it is happy at sea level. It has glaucous upright branches and the leaves tend to spread out flat nearby. It is easily found at Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia simply by walking the mountain nature trail around Llyn Idwal. It is obvious in summer amongst the grass and rocks by the path.

This is a northern plant which is mostly found in mountains and so is largely absent from the low hills of southern England. In the mountains of Snowdonia and southwards in Wales it is quite common and as you would expect, it is a common plant in the highlands of Scotland. There is a little to be found in northern Ireland.

Cwm Idwal, Snowdonia, 7th June 2005

Added on January 24th 2004, updated 13th December 2008, updated 28th March 2010