Horseherb Calyptocarpus vialis

Horseherb is a shade-tolerant ground cover in the Asteraceae (daisy) family that is typically found in woodlands, roadsides, meadows, and disturbed sites. In the US, it is native to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and introduced into many other states.  In non-native locations, it can be grown as an evergreen plant in warmer climates and as a deciduous plant in areas that experience cold winters.  

It withstands foot traffic and mowing well and if your lawn has any shady areas, there is probably Horseherb growing in it. Maintenance is low due to the fact that it can be mowed.  Some use it as a replacement for grass in dry, shady locations where other grasses cannot grow.  For others, it can be seen as a nuisance, competing with your manicured lawn and beds.  Spreading by seed and runners, it can be difficult to eliminate.  It makes an excellent ground cover of sloped locations.  

Planted in locations where there is no good drainage provided can lead to the plant rotting.  Although mature plants are drought tolerant, it should be watered every other week in its first growing season.

Tiny yellow flowers dot the bright green plants from spring to summer with their nectar attracting small butterflies.

Propagation is typically done through root cutting or division.  It can be grown from seed, however, seed is difficult to collect in large quantities.  Commercially, seed is not readily available.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Plant struggle with heavy leaf litter from upper canopy plants.  Spreading by runners and rooting from its stems can cause this plant to spread throughout your garden, becoming quite weedy.