Contents
Description
Mecardonia Acuminata, commonly known as Pennywort, is a small herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It is a member of the plant family Plantaginaceae and is widely used as a groundcover. The plant has small, bright green leaves that are oval-shaped and slightly succulent. Its stems are thin and delicate, growing up to 6 inches in length. The plant produces small yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus | Mecardonia |
Appearance
Mecardonia Acuminata has small, bright green leaves that are slightly succulent. The leaves are oval-shaped and grow to be about half an inch in length. The plant’s stems are thin and delicate, growing up to 6 inches in length. It produces small, bright yellow flowers that bloom throughout the summer. The plant has a spreading growth habit and can cover large areas of ground.
Care Guide
Mecardonia Acuminata is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you care for your Pennywort plant:- Water: Pennywort plants prefer moist soil, but be careful not to overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.- Fertilization: The plant doesn’t require much fertilization, but you can give it a boost by adding a slow-release fertilizer to the soil in the spring.- Soil: Pennywort plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its quality.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause it to become leggy and less dense.- Hardiness Zones: Pennywort plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Mecardonia Acuminata is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stippling on the leaves. You can treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove any infected leaves and treat the plant with a fungicide.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause the roots to rot, leading to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent this issue.
Habitat
Mecardonia Acuminata is native to North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and disturbed areas. It is often used as a groundcover in landscaping and is a popular choice for erosion control.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Mecardonia Acuminata an invasive species?
A: No, Mecardonia Acuminata is not considered to be an invasive species.
Q: Can Pennywort be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Pennywort can be grown in containers as long as they have good drainage and are kept moist.
Q: Does Pennywort attract bees?
A: Yes, Pennywort produces small yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Q: Is Pennywort toxic to pets?
A: Pennywort is not known to be toxic to pets, but it is always a good idea to keep plants out of reach of pets.
Related Plants
– Mecardonia Procumbens- Bacopa Monnieri- Lindernia Grandiflora- Gratiola Officinalis
References
– “Mecardonia Acuminata.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=276072&isprofile=0.- “Pennywort Plant Care: How To Grow Pennywort Ground Cover.” Gardening Know How, www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/pennywort/pennywort-plant-care.htm.
