Dichondra repens
kidney weed
Eastern and southern Australia, New Zealand
Overview
Dichondra repens is a prostrate, mat-forming groundcover in the family Convolvulaceae, growing 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) tall and spreading as stems root at the nodes. The green leaves are kidney-shaped to rounded, 0.2-0.8 inch (5-20 mm) across, on slender stalks, forming a dense low carpet. Flowers are inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, around 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide, held below the foliage from spring into summer. The plant occurs naturally in moist, shaded ground across eastern and southern Australia and New Zealand, in lawns, woodland margins, and along watercourses. It is grown as a lawn substitute and between paving, tolerating light foot traffic once established. Growth is most active in warm, moist conditions and slows or browns during extended drought, recovering when moisture returns. In cooler zones the foliage thins over winter. Dichondra repens spreads readily and can move into garden beds or adjacent turf, requiring edging to contain it. It has no major pest or disease problems but can develop fungal leaf spot in poorly drained, humid sites. Roots are shallow, so the mat dries quickly on sandy soils without irrigation. Foliage stays green year-round in frost-free climates.
Native Range
Dichondra repens is native to eastern and southern Australia, including Tasmania, and to New Zealand. It grows in moist forest, grassland, and disturbed ground from the coast to lower mountain slopes.Suggested Uses
Grown as a lawn substitute, between pavers and stepping stones, and as a groundcover in courtyards and rockeries. It suits shaded or partly shaded areas where conventional turf struggles, and tolerates light foot traffic once established. In containers and hanging baskets the stems trail over the rim.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 3"
Width/Spread2' - 4'
Bloom Information
Small greenish-yellow flowers appear from spring through summer, roughly September to February in the native range. The blooms sit below the leaf canopy and are largely hidden by the foliage. Flowering has little visual effect.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 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
Grow in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and through dry spells, as the shallow roots dry out quickly on sandy ground. Growth is most active in warm weather; the mat thins in cold winters and during drought, then greens up again when conditions improve. A light feed in spring supports denser cover. Mowing is not required, though an occasional trim levels the surface. Fungal leaf spot can develop in humid, poorly drained positions.Pruning
No formal pruning is needed. Trim or mow on a high setting to level the surface or to hold the mat within bounds. Runners that spread into beds or adjacent lawn can be cut back, since stems root wherever they touch moist soil.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing