Manyflower Marshpennywort

(Hydrocotyle umbellata)

Manyflower Marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle umbellata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Hydrocotyle umbellata, commonly known as manyflower marshpennywort or dollarweed, is a perennial aquatic herb native to freshwater habitats such as marshes, wetlands, and the edges of ponds and streams in the Eastern and Southwestern USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. It typically grows to a height of 0.3-0.7 feet and spreads 1-2 feet wide. The plant features small, round leaves that resemble coins and produces tiny white flowers that bloom from spring to summer, adding a subtle charm to water gardens.

Manyflower marshpennywort is valued for its ornamental foliage and is often used in water gardens and as a ground cover in wet areas. It can adapt to a range of wet soil conditions and is relatively low maintenance, requiring consistent moisture to thrive. It prefers full sun to part shade and can be propagated by division. In Brazil, where it is known as acariçoba, it is used in herbal medicine for its anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, gardeners should be cautious as Hydrocotyle umbellata can become invasive outside its native range, potentially disrupting local ecosystems. It is advisable to consult local regulations before planting to prevent its spread as a noxious weed.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.3-0.7 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Aquatic
  • Drainage: Standing

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Freshwater habitats such as marshes, wetlands, and the edges of ponds and streams

Other Names

Common Names: Dollarweed , Many-Flowered Marsh Pennywort , Many-Flowered Water Pennywort , Water Pennywort , Hydrocotyle À Ombelle , Umbrella Pennyroyal , Acariçoba , Acaricaba , Capitão , Para-Sol , Erva-Capitão

Scientific Names: Hydrocotyle umbellata , Hydrocotyle vulgaris , Hydrocotyle umbellulata , Hydrocotyle umbellata var. umbellata , Hydrocotyle umbellata var. ambigua , Hydrocotyle ambigua , Hydrocotyle caffra , Hydrocotyle scaposa , Hydrocotyle fluitans , Hydrocotyle incrassata

GBIF Accepted Name: Hydrocotyle umbellata L.