Authors: Richard E. Andrus

Branch leaves with chlorophyllous cells often with faint papillae on interior walls.

Coniferous forests, and occasionally in Alnus or Salix karrs; Alta., B.C., Man., N.B., Nfld., N.S., Ont., Que.; Conn., Ill., Ind., Maine, Mass., Mich., Minn., N.H., N.Y., Ohio, Pa., R.I., Vt., Wis. Eurasia.

Sporophytes moderately common. This is the most dry-growing species in North America, typically growing in in association with Sphagnum centrale, S. girgensohnii, S. russowii, and S. squarrosum. It is easily recognized as the only species that regularly has more than six branches per fascicle. Its Lycopodium clavatum-like growth habit in conifer swamp habitats along with the strongly 5-ranked branch leaves make it even easier to recognize in the field.