That is a Lycopodium species, more commonly called ground pine, or ground cedar because of the cedar like leaves. The spores/pollen from the flower stalk are highly flammable and are collected and sold as emergency fire starters. The greens are also considered a non-timber forest product and can be sold into the floral industry like ferns and other greenery.
Generally when you see this it is an indicator of disturbed, nutrient poor, or old field soils. Generally speaking it doesn't grow in good ginseng sites. I have planted in areas with it, and in areas where I have removed it. The ginseng grows, but remains small, or fizzles out after a few years. But every spot is different, so the only way to know for sure would be to plant a little seed and see how it does over the next few seasons.
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