Moneywort (Alysicarpus): A Low-Maintenance Ground Cover with a Wandering Spirit
If you’re looking for a plant that practically grows itself, you might want to meet moneywort, scientifically known as Alysicarpus. This unassuming little ground cover has been quietly making itself at home across the southeastern United States, and while it may not win any beauty contests, it certainly deserves a spot in the conversation for low-maintenance gardening.
What Exactly Is Moneywort?
Moneywort is a forb – basically a non-woody plant that stays close to the ground and comes back year after year (though it can also behave as an annual in some conditions). Think of it as the botanical equivalent of that friend who’s equally happy sleeping on your couch or in a five-star hotel – it’s incredibly adaptable.
This small, spreading plant produces tiny pea-like flowers and has delicate, compound leaves that create a fine-textured carpet across the ground. It’s not going to stop traffic with its stunning blooms, but there’s something quietly appealing about its modest charm.
Where Does Moneywort Come From and Where Can You Find It?
Here’s where things get interesting: moneywort isn’t actually native to the United States. This little wanderer originally hails from tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. However, it’s successfully established itself across the southeastern states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and several U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The plant has proven quite the survivor, reproducing and persisting in the wild without any human help – a testament to its hardy nature.
Why Might You Want to Grow Moneywort?
Let’s be honest – moneywort isn’t going to be the star of your garden Instagram posts. But here’s what it can do for you:
- Ultra-low maintenance: Once established, this plant basically takes care of itself
- Drought tolerant: Perfect for those oops, I forgot to water moments
- Ground cover solution: Fills in bare spots and gaps in informal garden areas
- Pollinator friendly: Those tiny flowers provide nectar for small beneficial insects
- Adaptable: Tolerates poor soils that might challenge other plants
Growing Conditions and Care
Moneywort is remarkably unfussy about its living conditions. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, which explains its success across the warm, humid Southeast.
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade – it’s not picky
Soil: Tolerates poor soils, though it will appreciate decent drainage
Water: Drought tolerant once established, but will appreciate occasional watering during dry spells
Maintenance: Minimal – this is a plant it and forget it kind of species
A Word of Caution (and Consideration)
Since moneywort readily self-seeds and spreads, you’ll want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t venture into areas where you don’t want it. While it’s not currently listed as invasive, its enthusiastic spreading habit means it could potentially compete with native plants in naturalized areas.
Speaking of native alternatives, if you’re looking to support local ecosystems, consider native ground covers like wild ginger (Asarum canadense), partridgeberry (Mitchella repens), or wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana), depending on your region and growing conditions.
The Bottom Line
Moneywort is like that reliable friend who shows up when you need them – not flashy, but dependable. If you have difficult spots in your garden where other plants struggle, or if you’re looking for an ultra-low-maintenance ground cover for informal areas, moneywort might just fit the bill. Just remember to give some consideration to native alternatives that could provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.
Whether you choose to invite moneywort into your garden or opt for a native alternative, the key is finding plants that work with your lifestyle, your local conditions, and your gardening goals. Sometimes the most unassuming plants turn out to be exactly what we need.
