Floating Marshpennywort: A Native Wetland Plant with a Complex Story
Meet floating marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides), a fascinating native aquatic plant that perfectly embodies the saying it’s complicated. This little perennial forb has quite the reputation – beloved by some gardeners for its delicate beauty, yet regulated in others due to its enthusiastic spreading habits. If you’re considering adding this unique wetland plant to your water garden, here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Floating Marshpennywort?
Floating marshpennywort is a native North American perennial that belongs to the forb family – meaning it’s a soft-stemmed plant without woody tissue. Think of it as nature’s version of tiny floating lily pads, complete with delicate white umbrella-shaped flowers that appear in small clusters. The plant gets its name from its coin-shaped leaves that resemble old pennywort herbs, though these leaves prefer to float on water surfaces or creep along wet ground.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This adaptable native has made itself at home across a remarkable range of the United States. You’ll find floating marshpennywort naturally occurring in 28 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. It’s truly a coast-to-coast native that has adapted to diverse regional conditions.
The Complicated Conservation Status
Here’s where things get interesting – and why you need to think carefully before planting floating marshpennywort. This plant wears different hats in different places:
- Invasive in Wisconsin: The state has listed it as Prohibited, meaning it’s considered invasive and problematic there
- Endangered in New Jersey: Conversely, it’s listed as endangered in New Jersey and is specially protected in the Pinelands and Highlands regions
- Wetland specialist everywhere: Across all regions of the United States, it’s classified as an Obligate Wetland plant, meaning it almost always occurs in wetlands
Should You Plant Floating Marshpennywort?
The answer depends on where you live and what you’re hoping to achieve. If you’re in Wisconsin, the answer is a definitive no – it’s prohibited there for good reason. In New Jersey, you should only consider it if you can source it responsibly from legitimate native plant suppliers, as wild populations are endangered.
For gardeners in other states, floating marshpennywort can be a beautiful addition to water features, but proceed with caution. Its ability to spread aggressively in ideal conditions means it can quickly take over small ponds or water gardens.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to grow floating marshpennywort, here’s what it needs to thrive:
- Water requirements: Standing water or consistently saturated soil – this plant is serious about staying wet
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 6-10
- Soil: Any soil type, as long as it’s waterlogged
Planting and Management Tips
If you’re moving forward with floating marshpennywort, keep these tips in mind:
- Plant in shallow water or at pond margins where soil stays saturated
- Consider container growing to prevent unwanted spread
- Monitor growth regularly – this plant can expand quickly in favorable conditions
- Remove excess growth promptly to prevent overcrowding
- Never dispose of plant material in natural water bodies
Benefits to Wildlife and Pollinators
Despite its management challenges, floating marshpennywort does offer ecological benefits. Its small white flowers attract tiny beneficial insects, and the plant provides habitat for aquatic creatures. In its native wetland environments, it plays a valuable role in the ecosystem – it’s just important to keep it in the right place.
The Bottom Line
Floating marshpennywort is a perfect example of why native doesn’t always mean plant everywhere. This beautiful aquatic plant can be a stunning addition to the right water garden in the right location, but it requires thoughtful consideration of local regulations, responsible sourcing, and careful management. Before planting, check your local invasive species lists and consider consulting with local native plant societies or extension offices for guidance specific to your area.
Remember, the best native plant for your garden is one that will thrive without causing problems for you or your local ecosystem. Sometimes the most responsible choice is admiring a plant in its natural habitat rather than bringing it home.
