Pennywort

Hydrocotyle vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, Greece and the Caspian Sea.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked. A strong carroty taste[183], they cannot be eaten in quantity[144].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known