Whorled Marsh Pennywort
Hydrocotyle verticillata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Whorled Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) 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
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 23 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.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Whorled marsh pennywort is a low-growing native groundcover with distinctive circular leaves arranged in whorls around the stem. This moisture-loving perennial thrives in wet areas and produces small white flowers during summer months. It spreads to form dense mats in consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Whorled Marsh Pennywort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet soil that may create drainage concerns
- Low height and spreading habit can appear uncontrolled
- Specialized marsh plant may look out of place in typical landscaping
Wildlife value
The small summer flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies. Dense growth provides habitat for small invertebrates in wet garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Whorled Marsh Pennywort need?
- Whorled Marsh Pennywort grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Whorled Marsh Pennywort bloom?
- Whorled Marsh Pennywort blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Whorled Marsh Pennywort native?
- Whorled Marsh Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Whorled Marsh Pennywort attract?
- Whorled Marsh Pennywort draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Whorled Marsh Pennywort HOA-friendly?
- Whorled Marsh 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 Whorled Marsh Pennywort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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