Dichondra spp.
ponysfoots
Warm-temperate and tropical regions worldwide (Americas, East Asia, Australasia)
Overview
Dichondra spp. is a genus of small, prostrate perennial herbs in the family Convolvulaceae, the morning-glory family, found in warm-temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Plants creep along the ground on slender stems that root at the nodes, forming low mats 1 to 4 in (2.5 to 10 cm) high that spread 1 to 4 ft (30 to 120 cm) or more across. The leaves are small, kidney- to fan-shaped, and 0.25 to 1 in (0.5 to 2.5 cm) wide, held on short upright stalks; foliage is bright green in D. micrantha and D. repens and silver-grey, with a felted surface, in D. argentea. Flowers are tiny, greenish-white to pale yellow, and tucked beneath the leaves. D. repens and D. micrantha are used as low, mowable lawn substitutes in mild climates, while D. argentea is grown as a trailing plant in containers and baskets. Limitations include frost sensitivity, slow establishment from seed, and a tendency to thin out in heavy shade or compacted soil.
Native Range
Dichondra spp. occurs naturally in warm regions of the Americas, eastern Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. D. argentea is native to Texas and northern Mexico, while D. repens comes from Australia and New Zealand and D. micrantha from East Asia. Plants grow in open grassland, woodland edges, lawns, and disturbed ground.Suggested Uses
Dichondra spp. is grown as a low lawn substitute and between pavers in mild climates, and D. argentea is planted as a trailing accent in containers, baskets, and window boxes. It is used as a low, soft-textured groundcover on banks and borders. The silver forms are combined with bright-flowered annuals in mixed plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread1' - 4'
Bloom Information
Dichondra spp. flowers from late spring through summer, but the blooms are tiny, greenish-white to pale yellow, and largely hidden beneath the leaves. Flowering has little visible effect on the plant's appearance. Seed follows in small capsules.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-white to pale yellowFoliage Description
bright green to silver-greyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Dichondra spp. grows in full sun to partial shade in free-draining soil with a pH from about 6.0 to 7.5. Lawn species such as D. repens and D. micrantha need regular water to stay dense and green, while the silver D. argentea tolerates drought and lean soils once established. The genus is frost tender, with top growth damaged below about 25 to 30 F (-4 to -1 C), and grows as a perennial only in zones 8 and warmer, or as a warm-season annual elsewhere. Plants spread by rooting stems and fill in over a season. Heavy shade, compaction, and waterlogging thin the mat.Pruning
Dichondra spp. used as a lawn is mown high or left unmown, since it stays low on its own. Trailing plants in containers are trimmed to shape and to remove frost-damaged growth. Runners that stray beyond their bounds are clipped back during the growing season.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing