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American Marshpennywort

Hydrocotyle americana

Last reviewed: August 2026

American Marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle americana)
Photo: Steven Lamonde / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

American Marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

2"–12" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CT, DE, IN and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

American marshpennywort is a low-growing native groundcover with distinctive round, penny-shaped leaves on delicate stems. This moisture-loving plant thrives in wet areas and produces tiny white flowers in summer. It spreads slowly to form colonies in consistently moist to wet soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Marshpennywort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet soil that may appear swampy
  • Very informal appearance with sprawling growth habit
  • May die back completely in winter leaving bare patches

Wildlife value

The small summer flowers attract various small pollinators including bees and flies. Its low growth habit can provide cover for small wildlife in wet garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does American Marshpennywort need?
American Marshpennywort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does American Marshpennywort bloom?
American Marshpennywort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is American Marshpennywort native?
American Marshpennywort (Hydrocotyle americana) is native to AR, CT, DE, IN and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does American Marshpennywort attract?
American Marshpennywort draws bees and flies.
Is American Marshpennywort HOA-friendly?
American Marshpennywort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Marshpennywort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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