Pennywort
Hydrocotyle bonariensis
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Pennywort is also referred to as being largeleaf pennywort or as dollarweed in some areas. It is a warm-season perennial plant often confused with Dichondra carolinensis and sometimes ground ivy. One way to distinguish the two is by looking at the placement of the leaf stem. Pennywort has a stem located in the center of the leaf, while dichondra’s stem is located at the edge. Pennywort is primarily in the U.S. south and southeast whereas ground ivy grows just about in every state and province. This native plant is in Apiaceae family. It is worth noting that pennywort is a common name given to several different plants around the world.
Distinguishing Features
Pennywort is a creeping plant that spreads out horizontally typically forming dense mats along marshes, ponds and wetlands. The leaf shape is quite distinctive and the central location of the stem makes it somewhat unique.
Flowers
The flower head is an umbel measuring 5 to 7cm (2 to 3") across. Individual flowers are tiny, with 5 greenish-to-white petals. The flowers can bloom anytime from April right through to September. Each flower has 5 petals and an inferior ovary.
Leaves
The leaves are somewhat fleshy, round, with scalloped edges. They typically grow from 5 to 10cm (2 to 4") across and the stem is attached in the center of the leaf. The leaves can be smaller or larger depending on the habitat in which it is growing.
Height
Stems are 5 to 10cm (2 to 4") high.
Habitat
Pennywort is a creeping plant that spreads out horizontally forming dense mats along marshes, ponds and wetlands.
Edible Parts
Leaves, stems and flowers are edible. Many people juice the aerial parts of this plant and add it to smoothies. The leaves may also be eaten raw, dried, baked, or sautéed. When foraging for pennywort be sure that you are collecting specimens from a clean water source, and thoroughly wash leaves before consuming. Pennywort has little to no aroma and has a vague cucumber-like taste.
Other Name
Dollarweed.
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