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moneywort
Scientific Name: Alysicarpus
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Moneywort: A Versatile Ground Cover
Moneywort is a popular plant known for its adaptability, being suitable for both aquatic and terrestrial environments. It is often used in aquariums and as a ground cover in gardens.
Considerations for Pets
- Moneywort can spread to form a dense mat, potentially posing a minor entanglement risk for very small pets.
- Some varieties, like Golden Moneywort, are known for creeping or trailing habits.
Considerations for Children
- Moneywort is a low-growing plant, sometimes found in gardens, which might make it accessible to small children.
Common and Scientific Names
- Common Names: Moneywort, Creeping Jenny, Creeping Charlie, Herb Twopence, Two-penny Grass, Creeping Loosestrife, Yellow Myrtle, Running Jenny, Wandering Jenny, Creeping Joan
- Scientific Name: Lysimachia nummularia
- Brahmi (when referring to Bacopa monnieri in herbalist contexts).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Primulaceae (Primrose family)
- Synonyms: The text mentions the possibility of conflating Moneywort with Bacopa monnieri, especially in herbalist contexts.
- Lysimachia zawadzkii (Wiesner) is mentioned, but the context is unclear, and requires further review to determine the precise relationship to Lysimachia nummularia.
Distribution and Habitat
- Lysimachia nummularia is native to Europe.
- It has been naturalized in eastern North America.
- Bacopa monnieri, also called Moneywort among aquarists, is a marsh plant native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Taiwan.
Ecological Role
- Lysimachia nummularia is considered an invasive plant in Pennsylvania and by SEWISC (Southeast Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, Inc.).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Moneywort is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial.
- It is a non-climbing herbaceous vine that can grow up to 3 feet long.
- Stems are smooth, up to 2 feet (61 cm) long, with a diameter of 0.05-0.1 inch (1.2-2.5 mm), and branch frequently.
- Leaves are elliptic or roundish ("penny-sized") and grow oppositely on the stems.
- It can form a leafy mat, only 2-4 inches tall.
- Golden Moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea') has golden yellow leaves.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "moneywort" and "creeping Jenny" derive from its round leaves and creeping growth habit, respectively.
- When grown above the water surface, Lysimachia nummularia can produce white flowers and go to seed.