Overview
Polypremum procumbens is a low, mat-forming annual or short-lived perennial that branches repeatedly into a flat, wiry rosette 2-12 inches (5-30 cm) across and only 1-4 inches (2.5-10 cm) tall, native to sandy and disturbed ground from the southeastern United States south into South America. The narrow, needle-like leaves are 0.25-0.75 inch (6-18 mm) long, paired along the forking stems, and turn rust-brown as the plant ages, the source of one common name. Minute white four-lobed flowers about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide sit singly in the forks and leaf axils through the warm months, followed by small notched capsules. The plant hugs the ground in open, sunny sites and tolerates poor, compacted, and seasonally wet soils. It is weakly competitive and short-lived, persisting in a spot through self-sown seed rather than lasting crowns. The flowers are small enough to be easily overlooked at a glance. Mats often colonize bare patches, paths, and the edges of seasonal wetlands.
Native Range
Native to the southeastern and eastern United States and southward through Mexico, Central America, and South America, growing on sandy soils, roadsides, fields, and the margins of seasonal wetlands.Suggested Uses
Used as a groundcover on sandy paths, lean banks, and disturbed open ground where taller plants struggle. Grown in native and restoration plantings to bind bare soil quickly. Its small flowers and short life restrict its use in showy display beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 4"
Width/Spread2" - 1'
Bloom Information
Minute white flowers appear through the warm months, roughly May through October, tucked into the stem forks and leaf axils. Each four-lobed flower is only about 0.1 inch (2-3 mm) wide and easily missed. Small insects and self-pollination set the notched seed capsules.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Green turning rust-brownGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun and sandy or gravelly soil suit this low mat-former, which tolerates poor, compacted, and seasonally wet ground. It grows across a soil pH from about 5.0 to 7.0 and withstands both drought and brief flooding once established. Rich soil and shade reduce flowering and shorten its life. Plants renew themselves through abundant self-sown seed rather than persistent crowns. Few pests or diseases trouble it. Growth flattens against the soil, so it withstands foot traffic and mowing better than taller plants.Pruning
No pruning is needed for this low, self-renewing plant. Spent mats are raked away or left to reseed at season end. Mowing over the mat does little harm.✓ Toxicity
Non-toxicPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow