How to Grow Moneywort
Moneywort
Lysimachia nummularia
herbMoneywort is a low-growing, trailing perennial with small, round coin-shaped leaves and delicate yellow flowers. It's valued as an ornamental groundcover and aquatic plant, thriving in moist environments both in gardens and water features. The plant spreads vigorously and is often used in terrariums, hanging baskets, and pond edges.
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, extremely cold and heat tolerant
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Growth Stages
Propagation/Rooting
1-2 weeksStem cuttings or runners begin developing roots in water or moist soil; tiny leaves visible on nodes
Keep water or soil consistently moist; provide bright, indirect light; roots typically form within 1-2 weeks
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plants develop multiple leaf nodes and root systems; runners begin trailing or spreading
Maintain moisture, reduce direct intense sun if wilting occurs, pinch tips to encourage bushier growth
Vegetative Growth
4-12 weeksPlant spreads vigorously with dense, trailing stems covered in coin-shaped leaves; ground becomes fully covered
Monitor growth to prevent overgrowth in confined spaces; trim as needed; maintain consistent moisture
Flowering
4-8 weeksDelicate, small yellow five-petaled flowers appear along stems in early to mid-summer
Flowering is encouraged by good light and nutrient-rich soil; no special care needed; flowers last several weeks
Mature/Maintenance
OngoingFully established groundcover or cascading plant with consistent growth and seasonal flowering
Trim to shape or control spread; deadhead flowers to encourage more blooms; divide or propagate as needed
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove by hand, use beer traps, encourage natural predators, apply copper barriers in severe cases
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation is severe
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Spray with strong water stream, use yellow sticky traps, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil
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Improve air circulation, reduce overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed
Uses
Groundcover and cascading ornamental
OrnamentalMoneywort excels as a dense, attractive groundcover in shaded, moist areas and as a trailing plant in hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens. Its bright green, coin-shaped foliage and delicate yellow flowers add textural interest to woodland gardens and shade borders. [source]
Aquatic and terrarium plant
HouseholdMoneywort is widely used in aquariums, pond marginals, and water features, where it tolerates both submerged and semi-aquatic conditions. It's also popular in terrariums and closed container gardens due to its love of humidity and moisture. [source]
Traditional herbal remedy
MedicinalMoneywort has been used in traditional folk medicine, particularly in Asian herbal traditions, to support urinary and digestive health. The plant is sometimes brewed as a mild herbal tea, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect support
WildlifeThe bright yellow flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it valuable in gardens supporting wildlife. It provides early-season nectar and pollen when other flowers are scarce. [source]
Floral arrangements and terrarium design
CraftTrailing stems and delicate flowers make moneywort useful in floral designs, miniature gardens, and fairy garden arrangements. Its spreading nature and tolerance of humid conditions make it ideal for moss pole plants and decorative container designs. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Moneywort is primarily ornamental but can be harvested year-round by cutting stems for propagation or arrangement. Pinch or trim stems as the plant grows to encourage bushier, fuller growth and shape. No traditional 'harvest' like edible crops; instead, manage growth by regular trimming and removal of dead foliage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Moneywort's common name comes from its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves that resemble tiny coins strung along thin stems.
- 🌱 It is one of the most vigorous groundcovers and can become invasive in ideal moist conditions, so it's best contained in controlled garden areas or containers.
- 🌱 The plant is also called 'creeping jenny' or 'wandering jenny' and has been cultivated as an ornamental plant for over 300 years.
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