Hydrocotyle verticillata, commonly known as whorled pennywort, whorled marshpennywort, or shield pennywort, is a perennial herb native to wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in South, Central and North America, as well as the West Indies and Africa. It typically forms dense mats of foliage and can spread across the water’s surface. This plant has a creeping growth habit with leaves that are peltate, meaning the leaf stalk attaches to the center of the leaf, and are circular with scalloped edges. The small, greenish-white flowers appear in clusters from spring to fall and are not particularly showy.

Whorled pennywort is valued for its use in water gardens, as a ground cover in wet areas, and for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While it can be a beneficial plant in its native habitat, Hydrocotyle verticillata can become invasive outside of its native range, so it is essential to check local regulations before planting. It can also be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0