American Marshpennywort: A Charming Native Groundcover for Wet Spots
If you’ve got a persistently soggy spot in your yard that makes you scratch your head wondering what to plant, let me introduce you to American marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle americana). This delightful little native might just be the answer to your wet gardening woes!
What Exactly Is American Marshpennywort?
American marshpennywort is a perennial forb – essentially a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Think of it as nature’s coin collection come to life, with perfectly round, penny-sized leaves that give this plant its charming common name. It’s a low-growing groundcover that spreads by creeping along the ground, forming lovely green mats in wet areas.
Where Does It Call Home?
This little beauty is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, with an impressive range that spans from the Maritime provinces down through the eastern United States. You’ll find it naturally growing in states including Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and many others throughout the Midwest and eastern regions. It extends as far south as the Carolinas and as far west as Arkansas and Minnesota.
Important Note About Rarity
Before we dive into growing tips, there’s something important to know: American marshpennywort has a rarity status of historically known in Arkansas, meaning it may be quite rare or possibly extirpated from that state. If you’re interested in growing this plant, please make sure you source it responsibly from reputable native plant nurseries rather than collecting from the wild.
Why You Might Want to Grow It
American marshpennywort is perfect for gardeners who:
- Have consistently wet or boggy areas in their landscape
- Want to create naturalized wetland gardens
- Are designing rain gardens or bioswales
- Love the look of neat, orderly groundcovers with unique foliage
- Prefer low-maintenance native plants
This plant is classified as an obligate wetland species across all regions where it grows, meaning it almost always occurs in wetlands. This makes it incredibly valuable for authentic wetland restoration projects and water-wise landscaping in appropriate conditions.
What Does It Look Like?
The star of the show is definitely the foliage – those perfectly round, bright green leaves that look like nature’s own pennies scattered across the ground. The plant produces small, inconspicuous white flowers, but let’s be honest, you’re not growing this one for the floral display. It’s all about that distinctive, coin-like foliage and the neat, spreading habit.
Growing Conditions and Care
Here’s where American marshpennywort really shines – it’s wonderfully low-maintenance once you understand its needs:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Moisture: Consistently moist to wet soil – this plant loves having wet feet
- Light: Partial shade to full sun (quite adaptable)
- Soil: Any soil type as long as it stays moist
- Hardiness: USDA zones 3-8
Planting and Care Tips:
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants about 6-12 inches apart (they’ll spread to fill in)
- Ensure consistent moisture – never let it dry out
- Very little fertilizer needed; it’s adapted to naturally nutrient-rich wetland soils
- Minimal pruning required; just remove any dead foliage in spring
Perfect Garden Spots
American marshpennywort is ideal for:
- Rain gardens and bioretention areas
- Pond or water feature margins
- Bog gardens
- Natural areas with seasonal flooding
- Low-lying areas where other plants struggle
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
While American marshpennywort may not be a showstopper for large pollinators, it plays an important role in wetland ecosystems. Its dense mat-forming habit provides habitat for small invertebrates and helps prevent soil erosion in wet areas. As a native plant, it’s part of the complex web of relationships that support local wildlife.
The Bottom Line
American marshpennywort is a wonderful choice for gardeners looking to embrace native plants in wet areas of their landscape. It’s not going to wow you with flashy flowers, but its unique foliage, low-maintenance nature, and ecological value make it a solid addition to the right garden. Just remember to source it responsibly, especially if you’re in areas where it might be less common, and prepare to fall in love with those adorable coin-shaped leaves!
