Dollarweed Hydrocotyle umbellata Play pronunciation

Dollarweed is a native, rhizomatous, low-growing, floating or creeping, semi-aquatic, herbaceous perennial weed, measuring 3 to 10 inches tall and spreading 3 to 20 feet wide. It is native to portions of North America, Central America, and South America and is found in moist, open areas, along roadside ditches, and in swamps. In North Carolina, dollarweed is found in the Piedmont and Coastal Plains. It is typically used as a groundcover, growing on poorly drained land or in water. It has a prostrate, spreading habit, and forms dense mats. Blooms appear from late spring to fall, bearing small white 5-petaled flowers arranged in umbels. Its attractive, shiny, smooth, round green leaves are the size of silver dollars, with crenate and lobed margins. The petiole attaches at the center of the leaf, making it appear umbrella-like. It spreads by long, creeping roots, and its seeds are eaten by waterfowl. Dollarweed 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, umbellata, is Latin, meaning bearing umbels or umbrella-shaped. This may refer to the umbrella-like appearance of its leaves as well as the flowers' inflorescence.

Prefers full sun to partial shade and poorly drained to wet soils with a slightly acidic pH. It is winter hardy in zones 4 through 10. Due to its aggressive habit, it is a high-maintenance plant. This plant does provide food for waterfowl and fish, serves as a habitat for small fish and frogs, and hosts many insects. May be propagated by division or seeds. 

Consider for use in a bog or water garden for its lush green foliage, but beware of its rapid growth. 

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant insect or disease problems. Considered a noxious weed or invasive in some areas. Dollarweed's formation of dense mats in ponds can alter oxygen levels, and the plant also competes with other vegetation. Natural control methods are not effective. It can easily re-establish from seeds or roots when physical management is used.