Pennywort
Hydrocotyle vulgaris
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Hydrocotyle vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.1
Where it is found
Bogs, fens and marshes, usually on acid soils.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Greece and the Caspian Sea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked. A strong carroty taste, they cannot be eaten in quantity.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a permanently moist position in sun or light shade. Plants can be very invasive, though they are fairly easy to control by pulling out the rooted stems.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing it in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it would probably be worthwhile sowing the seed outdoors in situ in the spring. Division of rooted runners. Probably best done in spring but can be done at any time in the growing season if the plants are kept moist.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet