American pennywort
hydrocotyle americana
Also known as: ["Marsh pennywort","American marshpennywort"]
Overview
A small, creeping herbaceous plant with rounded, kidney-shaped leaves and small, white flowers, native to North America.
Benefits & Perks
["shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Genus: | Hydrocotyle |
| Botanical Name: | Hydrocotyle americana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or container in a moist environment
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter; can tolerate slightly sandy or loamy soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of foliage at a time.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light but thrives with dappled sunlight 3–4 hours/day.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or under taller plants.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; prefers morning light; suitable for woodland gardens.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply to encourage root growth; avoid waterlogging; adjust frequency based on season and humidity.
Soil
moist, well-draining soil with high organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; amend with organic matter annually.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frost but avoids extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid placing in direct sun during summer; maintain moderate humidity.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to prevent overgrowth; apply after watering to avoid root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or moist soil; division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in medium.
- Maintain moisture and humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); indirect light; warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Moist potting mix or water; add perlite for aeration.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–3 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; mist regularly to maintain humidity; change water if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or use clean scissors to cut back overgrown areas.
Pruning Plan
Trim to control spread and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged foliage.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead or yellowing leaves; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for root health and growth.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water early morning or late evening; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring even moisture distribution; avoid wetting foliage to reduce fungal risk; ensure excess water drains away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during growing season (spring-summer), allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce frequency in fall-winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss for moisture retention; incorporate perlite for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in excessive heat; yellowing or browning leaves in cold stress; stunted growth in unsuitable temperatures.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; vulnerable to frost damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide frost protection in cold climates; mulch around roots; move potted plants to sheltered areas.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch or curl; growth may halt; increased susceptibility to pests.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide shade during peak heat; improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHydrocotyle americana is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Dogs
Non-toxicHydrocotyle americana is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested or handled.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Humans
Non-toxicHydrocotyle americana is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and consumption.
⚡ Toxic If:
Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hydrocotyle americana edible?
A: Yes, the leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes.
Q: Does this plant require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade and can thrive in moist, shaded areas.
Q: Can Hydrocotyle americana be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor plant, but it can be grown indoors in a container with adequate humidity and shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Apiaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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