It tolerates light foot traffic but is not suitable for high traffic areas.

No, it stays very low and does not require mowing.

Plant guide

Creeping Buttonweed.

Dichondra repens

Pronounced dy-KON-druh REE-penz

Also known as Mercury Bay weed, Mercury Bay-weed, Tom Thumb, Wonder Lawn, creeping dichondra, dichondra, kidneyweed

kidney weed — Photo by Colin Meurk (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Creeping buttonweed is a charming, low growing groundcover that forms a dense mat of tiny, kidney shaped leaves. It thrives in moist, shaded areas and works well as a lawn alternative or between stepping stones. You will love how it softens the look of any garden path.

Another photo of Creeping Buttonweed — Photo by Josh (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Herbaceous perennial
Light: Partial shade to full sun in cooler climates
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 5 to 10 cm tall
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 8 to 11
Bloom time: Late spring to summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal too much water or poor drainage. It prefers a spot with partial shade to keep the foliage lush.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back edges to keep it within its designated area.
Repotting: Repot when the plant becomes root bound or fills its container.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -5 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 3 to 5 years
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the pot
Growth slowing significantly during the active season
Soil drying out much faster than usual

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non toxic but ingestion is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: The small size of the plant and its low growth habit make it generally safe for areas where children play.
Contact allergens: There are no known significant skin irritants associated with this plant.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically a significant trigger for respiratory allergies.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

Tiny kidney shaped leaves
Low growing mat forming habit
Creeping stems rooting at nodes
Small inconspicuous greenish flowers

Height: 0.02 to 0.05m
Spread: 0.3 to 1m
Leaves: bright green, evergreen
Flowers: white, greenish, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

CutwormsCommon
Leaf SpotCommon
Root RotUncommon
Slugs and SnailsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, early autumn
Overwintering: In colder regions, provide a light mulch layer to protect the roots from frost. Ensure the soil does not remain waterlogged during winter dormancy.
In containers: It grows beautifully in containers and hanging baskets, where its trailing habit is showcased best.

Division

1. Carefully lift a section of the established mat.
2. Separate the rooted stems into smaller clumps.
3. Replant immediately in moist, well draining soil.

Pair this with taller perennials to create a lush, multi layered ground cover effect.

Grows well with

Blue Fescue · The contrasting texture and color create a beautiful visual display.
Creeping Thyme · They share similar low growth habits, though thyme prefers drier soil.

Similar species

Silver Falls · A close relative with striking silver foliage often used in containers.

Science

Family: Convolvulaceae
Genus: Dichondra
Order: Solanales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Australia and New Zealand
Conservation: This species is common and not of conservation concern.

It naturally colonizes damp, shaded areas and forest floors by rooting along its stems.

Value to wildlife: low profile ground cover, nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: lawn substitute, ground cover, hanging baskets, rock gardens

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Moisture: 6/9
Soil reaction: 5/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9
Nutrients: 4/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I walk on it?: It tolerates light foot traffic but is not suitable for high traffic areas.
Does it need mowing?: No, it stays very low and does not require mowing.

Where the name comes from

The name Dichondra comes from the Greek words for two grains, referring to the two lobed fruit capsules, while repens means creeping.

Good to know

It is often called kidney weed because of its distinct leaf shape.
It spreads by creeping stems that root at the nodes.
It thrives in both sun and partial shade.
It is native to Australia and New Zealand.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.