California Ponysfoot
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(Dichondra donelliana)
California Ponysfoot (Dichondra donelliana)
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Alison Northup
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Alison Northup
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Alison Northup | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Alison Northup | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-08-15T09:59:15-07:00 |
Summary
Dichondra donelliana, commonly known as California Ponysfoot, is a low-growing, evergreen perennial herb native to open woodlands and grassy areas in California. It forms a dense mat rarely exceeding 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in height, with a spread that can cover a few feet, making it an excellent ground cover. The leaves are small, rounded, and kidney-shaped, providing a unique texture in the landscape. California Ponysfoot produces inconspicuous white to greenish-white flowers from late winter to early spring, which are not particularly showy but add to its charm.
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to form a lush carpet of foliage, making it ideal for use as a lawn substitute, in rock gardens, or in hanging baskets. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soils. It will maintain a more vibrant appearance. California Ponysfoot is relatively low-maintenance but may require occasional trimming to keep it looking tidy. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but in wet conditions, it can be susceptible to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
This plant is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to form a lush carpet of foliage, making it ideal for use as a lawn substitute, in rock gardens, or in hanging baskets. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soils. It will maintain a more vibrant appearance. California Ponysfoot is relatively low-maintenance but may require occasional trimming to keep it looking tidy. It is not known for serious pest or disease problems, but in wet conditions, it can be susceptible to root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and grassy areas in California
Other Names
Common Names: California Dichondra
Scientific Names: Dichondra donelliana
GBIF Accepted Name: Dichondra donelliana Tharp & M.C.Johnst.