Hydrocotyle americana Play pronunciation

American water-pennywort is a small, creeping, herbaceous perennial, native marsh plant that typically grows in moist areas such as swamps, marshes, bogs, wet woods, and lake margins. It is found in Eastern Canada and the Eastern and North Central United States. In North Carolina, it is found in the western portion of the state in the Appalachian Mountains. This plant grows 2 to 10 inches tall and spreads by rhizomes and creeping stems that easily root, forming a dense mat. Its leaves are light green, nearly circular to kidney-shaped, and have slightly scalloped or lobed margins. The petiole is attached at the leaf margin, which is distinctly different from Hydrocotyle umbellata, commonly known as dollarweed. Clusters of tiny, greenish-white, 5-petaled, star-shaped flowers bloom from May to August. Water pennywort is a member of the ivy family (Araliaceae). The genus name Hydrocotyle is derived from two Greek words:  hydros, meaning water, and kotyle, meaning a small cup. This refers to the cup-like appearance of the leaves in some of its species. The specific epithet, americana, means of the Americas. The common name pennywort refers to the leaves' rounded and coin-like shape.

Prefers bright but indirect light, high humidity, and organically rich, loamy, consistently moist or waterlogged soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The plant does well along the margins of ponds or streams where it can root in shallow water. The roots should not be allowed to dry out completely. It is winter hardy in zones 3 to 7. The plant will die back in October to November at the first frost, but it will regenerate in the spring.  Easily propagated by seeds, division, or stem cuttings.

This plant is currently globally secure; however, in the State of Minnesota, it is designated as a Species of Special Concern. The major threats to this native species are habitat loss and climate change.

American water-pennywort is an attractive, low-maintenance, and hardy specimen for a shady and consistently wet site such as in rain gardens, garden ponds, bogs, or stream banks.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and snails. May be susceptible to leaf spots and root rot.  Avoid clay soils that can become compacted and drain poorly. Leaf scorch can occur in full sun.