Red Moneywort: A Low-Key Annual Ground Cover
If you’ve ever spotted a small, creeping plant with tiny flowers spreading across disturbed ground in Florida, you might have encountered red moneywort (Alysicarpus rugosus). This unassuming annual has quietly made itself at home in the Sunshine State, though it’s not originally from around here.
What is Red Moneywort?
Red moneywort is a non-native forb that belongs to the legume family. Don’t let the fancy botanical term forb throw you off – it simply means it’s a soft-stemmed plant without woody growth, kind of like your typical garden herbs. This little guy is an annual, meaning it completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, then starts all over again from seed.
As a forb, red moneywort stays low to the ground and spreads outward rather than reaching for the sky. It’s the kind of plant that fills in spaces and carpets areas with its modest presence.
Where You’ll Find It
Originally hailing from tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia, red moneywort has established itself in Florida, where it reproduces on its own without any help from gardeners. It’s become part of the naturalized plant community in the state, thriving in the warm, humid conditions that remind it of home.
Should You Plant Red Moneywort?
Here’s where things get a bit nuanced. Red moneywort isn’t necessarily a troublemaker, but it’s also not a native plant that directly supports local ecosystems. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that can handle tough conditions, it might fit the bill. However, if you’re passionate about supporting native wildlife and pollinators, you might want to consider some alternatives.
The Good
- Extremely low maintenance once established
- Tolerates poor soils and drought conditions
- Self-seeding annual that returns each year
- Fills in bare spots and disturbed areas
The Considerations
- Modest aesthetic appeal – it won’t win any beauty contests
- Limited benefits for native wildlife and pollinators
- Non-native origin means it doesn’t fill the same ecological role as native plants
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to give red moneywort a try, you’ll find it refreshingly undemanding. This plant thrives in USDA zones 9-11, which aligns perfectly with Florida’s climate.
Red moneywort loves full sun and isn’t picky about soil quality – in fact, it seems to prefer the challenge of poor, sandy, or disturbed soils. Once established, it’s quite drought-tolerant, making it a potential option for areas where other plants struggle.
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in full sun for best growth
- Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils
- Water occasionally during establishment, then let nature take over
- Minimal fertilization needed – this plant prefers the lean life
- Allow it to self-seed if you want it to return next year
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re leaning toward supporting native ecosystems (and we think that’s pretty awesome), consider these Florida native ground covers instead:
- Beach sunflower (Helianthus debilis) for sunny coastal areas
- Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa) for a legume alternative
- Wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) for purple flowers and butterfly appeal
The Bottom Line
Red moneywort is one of those middle-of-the-road plants – not particularly exciting, but not particularly problematic either. It’s a reliable, no-fuss ground cover that can handle tough conditions where other plants might throw in the towel. Whether you choose to plant it depends on your gardening goals: if you need something that just plain works in difficult spots, it might be your plant. If you’re building habitat for local wildlife, native alternatives will serve you better.
Whatever you decide, remember that every garden is a personal expression, and there’s room for different approaches to creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
