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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Whorled Marsh Pennywort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 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 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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