Hydrocotyle umbellata (Marsh Pennywort)

Hydrocotyle umbellata (Marsh Pennywort) is an aquatic or water-loving perennial that forms dense mats of round, shiny, emerald-green leaves, up to 2 in. across (5 cm), notched or scalloped at the margins. Attached at the center of the leaf, the stems (petioles) are erect and sturdy, 2-8 in. long (5-20 cm), in terrestrial plants. They are lax on leaves floating in standing water and up to 5 ft. long (150 cm). From spring to fall, delicate clusters of 5-10 tiny star-shaped white flowers bloom at the tip of leafless stems. The flowers are pollinated by butterflies and give way to seeds that are eaten by waterfowl. Native to the Americas, Marsh Pennywort occurs naturally along pond edges in moist soil, in shallow areas of ponds, and mud flats. It can be grown above the surface of the water or fully submerged. It spreads by long, creeping roots that root at the nodes and is often used as a groundcover in wet or saturated landscapes. With its shiny round leaves and easy care, the plant has also become popular in aquariums. Marsh Pennywort is considered an aquatic or terrestrial noxious weed on other continents. It can shade water surfaces and reduce water temperature.

• Grows up to 4-8 in. tall (10-20 cm) and 3-20 ft. wide (90-600 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in slightly acidic, poorly drained to wet soils.
• A useful groundcover for wet sites and a charming addition to pond areas, water gardens, bog gardens.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagate by division or by seed.
• Native to North America, Central America and South America.