Pennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata

Hydrocotyle umbellata, or Dollarweed, is a native, herbaceous, perennial weed found in moist, open areas, along roadside ditches, and swamps. It is an aquatic plant and a member of the carrot family. Dollarweed is typically used as a groundcover that can grow on land and in the water. It blooms from late spring to fall with attractive, shiny, round green leaves the size of silver dollars that form creeping, dense mats in poorly drained to wet soil in the sun. It spreads by long, creeping roots, and its seeds are eaten by waterfowl. 

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides and Hydrocotyle umbellata and sometimes mistaken for each other. The main difference is that Hydrocotyle umbellata leaves are circular. Hydrocotyle ranunculoides leaves are also round, but they are notched (or cut) almost to the center.

Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Problems:

No known disease or insect problems. While not classified as poisonous, iIngesting the leaves may cause nausea. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility and children are most vulnerable. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.