• Leaves/stem: leaves; evergreen, spreading to drooping, ¼ to 1/3 inch long, lance-linear, dark green, minutely toothed on tip half, pale sharp spine-like tip, stems horizontal and run above ground, erect shoots emerge that are either unbranched or with 1 or 2 forked branches near the base
• Spores: spike-like or cone-like structures, ½ to 1½ inches long, stalkless, tiny spore sacs are attached to scales that are 1/8 inch long, generally triangular and tapering to a slender, sharply pointed tip but lacks any hair-like extension
• Fruiting season: July - October
• Height: 3-12 inches
• Habitat: deciduous, mixed or conifer forest, peatlands, swamps, barrens