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Floating Pennywort

Hydrocotyle ranunculoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides)
Photo: (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang

Toxicity unknown

Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

2"–12" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, 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

Coast RangePuget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsPiedmontMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Floating pennywort is a semi-aquatic perennial with small, round leaves and tiny white flowers that bloom through summer and fall. This creeping plant spreads readily along the ground and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It forms dense mats in boggy areas and along water edges.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Aggressive spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
  • Requires wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
  • Low-growing mat form looks informal and weedy

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during its long blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Floating Pennywort need?
Floating Pennywort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Floating Pennywort bloom?
Floating Pennywort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Floating Pennywort native?
Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Floating Pennywort attract?
Floating Pennywort draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Floating Pennywort HOA-friendly?
Floating Pennywort 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 Floating Pennywort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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