Water Pennywort, Lawn marshpennywort
Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae

What it is like

Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to September, and the seeds ripen from June to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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. 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

Shady places in lowland areas of C. and S. Japan. Stream banks or forests in wet grassy places at elevations of 400 - 3000 metres in China.

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The whole plant is eaten raw or cooked as a potherb. It has a parsley-like aroma.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Depurative, febrifuge. Resolves mucus formation. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of fevers. A paste made from the plant is applied externally to wounds and boils. The plant is decocted and used in the treatment of abscesses, boils, bruises, cirrhosis, colds, coughs, hepatitis, hepatoma, influenza, itch, jaundice, sinusitis and sore throat. It is a Chinese herbal drug for hepatoma.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating:

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Requires a permanently moist position in sun or light shade. Plants are occasionally found as weeds in damp lawns.

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 grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. 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: Lawn; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. hirsuta. H. latisecta. H. puncticulata. H. rotundifolia. Roxb.