Contents
Description
Kelleria Paludosa, commonly known as marsh pennywort or marsh creeping pennywort, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and is commonly found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. The plant has a creeping habit and can spread rapidly to form dense mats. It is an important plant for wetland ecosystems as it helps stabilize the soil and provides food and shelter for various aquatic animals.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Kelleria |
Appearance
Marsh pennywort has small, round leaves that are bright green in color and grow on long, thin stems. The leaves are slightly scalloped and have a glossy texture. The plant can grow up to 30 cm in height and can spread up to 100 cm in diameter. It produces small, white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer.
Care Guide
Marsh pennywort requires consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10. Fertilization is not necessary but can be done with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring.
Common Pests & Diseases
Marsh pennywort is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet. It can also be invaded by slugs and snails, which can be controlled with a slug and snail bait.
Habitat
Marsh pennywort is commonly found growing in wetlands, marshes, and along riverbanks. It is an important plant for wetland ecosystems as it helps stabilize the soil and provides food and shelter for various aquatic animals.
Question and Answer
Q: Is marsh pennywort a good plant for a water garden?
A: Yes, marsh pennywort is an excellent plant for a water garden as it can grow in water and helps stabilize the soil.
Q: Can marsh pennywort grow in full sun?
A: Yes, marsh pennywort can grow in full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should marsh pennywort be fertilized?
A: Fertilization is not necessary but can be done with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer in the spring.
Q: How can I control slugs and snails on my marsh pennywort?
A: Slugs and snails can be controlled with a slug and snail bait.
Related Plants
- Apiaceae family
- Water hemlock (Cicuta virosa)
- Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
- Wild carrot (Daucus carota)
References
- “Kelleria Paludosa – (L.)DC.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:844129-1
- “Kelleria Paludosa (L.) DC.” GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://www.gbif.org/species/5370693
- “Marsh Pennywort.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 20 May 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d465
