Silver Ponyfoot
Dichondra argentea
Last reviewed: August 2026
Dichondra argentea is a low-growing silver-leaved forb native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas that blooms from March through August in full sun conditions.
Toxicity unknown
Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea) 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
low
Size
3"–6" H × 24"–30" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, NM, TX
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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Silver Ponyfoot forms a low, spreading mat with distinctive silvery-green foliage that creates an attractive groundcover. This drought-tolerant perennial produces small, inconspicuous flowers from spring through summer and maintains its foliage most of the year. It works well as a lawn alternative or accent planting in sunny, dry areas.
Growing Silver Ponyfoot
Grow Silver Ponyfoot in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 24 to 30 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Silver Ponyfoot is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This plant provides minimal wildlife value, with small flowers that attract few pollinators. It primarily serves as groundcover habitat rather than a significant food source for wildlife.
Common questions
- What regions is Silver Ponyfoot native to?
- Dichondra argentea is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
- When does Silver Ponyfoot bloom?
- Silver Ponyfoot produces flowers from March through August, providing an extended blooming period during the growing season.
- What are the water requirements for Dichondra argentea?
- Silver Ponyfoot has low water requirements and is well-adapted to drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- How much sunlight does Silver Ponyfoot need?
- This plant thrives in full sun conditions but can tolerate some partial sun exposure in its native southwestern habitats.
- Is Silver Ponyfoot HOA-friendly?
- Silver Ponyfoot is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Silver Ponyfoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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