Carolina ponysfoot
ExplorePlants
Carolina ponysfoot
Dichondra carolinensis
Carolina ponysfoot is a small, green plant that grows close to the ground. It has round leaves that look like little coins and can spread quickly, making it a fun plant to find in gardens and parks!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Carolina ponysfoot is a low-growing perennial with distinctive kidney or hoof-shaped leaves. Its small, roundish leaves are bright green, often forming a dense mat. Tiny, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers bloom nestled among the foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSolanalesFamilyConvolvulaceaeGenusDichondra
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Carolina ponysfoot is sometimes used as a natural, low-maintenance lawn substitute.
Its common name comes from the shape of its leaves, which look like miniature pony hooves!
This resilient plant can form a living carpet, even growing through cracks in pavement.
You might need a magnifying glass to truly appreciate its tiny, star-shaped flowers!
Special abilities
Ability
Creeping Conqueror
Carolina ponysfoot can spread rapidly using creeping stems that root as they grow, helping it colonize open ground quickly.
Ability
Soil Specialist
Carolina ponysfoot has strong roots that allow it to grow in various soil types, helping it thrive even in poor conditions.
Ability
Hidden Blossoms
Carolina ponysfoot has tiny flowers that are often overlooked, helping it conserve energy and avoid being eaten by large browsers.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 2-10 cm
- Spread
- 30-90 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Viereck's Sweat Bee
Lasioglossum vierecki
Visits its small flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
.JPG&width=800)
Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
Rabbits may browse its tender leaves.
eaten by
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Deer occasionally graze on its foliage.
shelters
Dusky Arion
Arion subfuscus
Provides ground cover and moisture for slugs.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always check with an adult before touching or picking plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Carolina ponysfoot?
2-10 cm
How wide does Carolina ponysfoot spread?
30-90 cm
How big are the flowers on Carolina ponysfoot?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does Carolina ponysfoot bloom?
Spring to Summer
Is Carolina ponysfoot edible?
No
Is Carolina ponysfoot toxic?
None
What is Carolina ponysfoot's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Carolina ponysfoot pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
