Pennywort
Hydrocotyle vulgaris
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Pl. 7BA9 — Hydrocotyle vulgaris
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IOverview
Overview
Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet conditions and can be found across Europe, from Albania to Sweden, and as far east as Poland and Belarus. Native to parts of its range including Albania, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability. Known for its edible leaves, pennywort is often used in culinary applications. Its distinctive features include a light, airy form with small, rounded leaves that grow close to the ground, making it an attractive addition to moist gardens or as a ground cover. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 and can tolerate various soil types from sandy to clayey.
Quick answers
What is Pennywort?
Pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) is a perennial herb that thrives in moist to wet conditions and can be found across Europe, from Albania to Sweden, and as far east as Poland and Belarus. Native to parts of its range including Albania, Austria, Belgium, and Denmark, this plant has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pennywort thrives in moist to wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5.5–6.5. It is hardy in temperate regions from zones 5-9. Pennywort can be propagated through division or cuttings. As a perennial, it will return year after year once established. This herb prefers partial to full shade and should be watered regularly to maintain its moist requirements. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
7/10
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Pennywort for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow pennywort for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Pennywort seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant pennywort in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and containers that are at least 10 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the soil surface or transplant small plants into your prepared container.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and place the container in a partially shaded area to protect from direct sunlight.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Provide partial shade and fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune pennywort to maintain its shape and encourage new growth by cutting back any leggy stems.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using incorrect soil pH, neglecting regular fertilization, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Pennywort leaves are edible and can be consumed fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. They are typically prepared by steaming or sautéing to enhance their mild flavor. The plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it suitable for gardens with similar conditions.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
28 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
28 native · 2 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 28 native· 2 introduced
Europe20 regions
native (20)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (1)Palestine
introduced (1)Japan
Africa1 region
native (1)Morocco
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria
introduced:New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7ba950cf-3321-4d4f-98f7-30269e9e6d94
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