American Marshpennywort
Hydrocotyle americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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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