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Description
Hydrocotyle Americana, also known as American marsh pennywort or water pennywort, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to the United States and can be found in swamps, marshes, and other wetlands. The plant has a creeping habit and produces tiny white or green flowers that bloom from June to August. Its leaves are round and resemble small coins, hence the name pennywort.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocotyle |
Appearance
Hydrocotyle Americana has small, round leaves that measure about 1-2 inches in diameter. The leaves are attached to long petioles that can reach up to 12 inches in length. The plant produces tiny white or green flowers that are clustered together in umbels. The flowers bloom from June to August and are followed by small, round fruits. The plant has a creeping habit and can spread quickly if not kept in check.
Care Guide
Hydrocotyle Americana is an easy plant to care for and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. Here are some tips on how to care for this aquatic plant:- Water: Hydrocotyle Americana requires constant moisture to thrive. Keep the soil or water around the plant consistently moist, but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Hydrocotyle Americana is an aquatic plant and should be grown in a soilless medium or in water.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade and should be protected from direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Hydrocotyle Americana grows well in hardiness zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocotyle Americana is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Here are some common pests and diseases that may affect this plant:- Root rot: This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The plant may wilt and the leaves may turn yellow or brown.- Slugs and snails: These pests can feed on the leaves and cause damage to the plant.- Aphids: These pests can suck the sap from the leaves and cause stunted growth.
Habitat
Hydrocotyle Americana is native to the United States and can be found in swamps, marshes, and other wetlands. The plant prefers to grow in shallow water or moist soil and can tolerate a wide range of soil and water conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrocotyle Americana be grown in a container?A: Yes, Hydrocotyle Americana can be grown in a container as long as it is kept consistently moist.Q: Does Hydrocotyle Americana attract wildlife?A: Yes, the plant can attract insects and other wildlife.Q: Can Hydrocotyle Americana be propagated?A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or by planting stem cuttings.Q: Is Hydrocotyle Americana toxic to pets?A: There is no evidence that the plant is toxic to pets, but it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach of pets.
Related Plants
– Hydrocotyle bonariensis- Hydrocotyle leucocephala- Hydrocotyle ranunculoides- Hydrocotyle sibthorpioides
References
– “Hydrocotyle Americana.” Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281269&isprofile=0&basic=Hydrocotyle%20americana- “Hydrocotyle Americana.” Aquatic Plant Central. https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=123- “Hydrocotyle Americana.” Plant Delights Nursery. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/hydrocotyle-americana- “Hydrocotyle Americana.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/hydrocotyle-americana/
