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Native Plant Database

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Dichondra argentea (Silver ponyfoot)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Dichondra argentea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.

Silver Ponyfoot, Silver ponysfoot

Convolvulaceae (Morning-Glory Family)

Synonyms: Dichondra evolvulacea var. argentea

USDA Symbol: DIAR2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Low-growing, herbaceous plant. The silver gray foliage has a metallic appearance in the sun and grows to about 3–4 inches tall.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Pubescence: Puberulent
Size Notes: 3-4
Leaf: Silver
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: West Texas to southeastern Arizona and Mexico
Native Habitat: Herbaceous perennial groundcover, 3 H.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: well draining soil.
Conditions Comments: An perennial groundcover useful for covering large areas in open, sunny sites in well-drained soil. The silver gray foliage has a metallic appearance in the sun.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: It is a drought tolerant trailing perennial herb that forms low mats up to 30 inches across. Often treated like an annual.
Use Other: It grows into a dense ground cover that is useful in erosion control.
Interesting Foliage: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
United States Botanic Garden - Washington, DC
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Fredericksburg Chapter - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX, TX

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Dichondra argentea in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Dichondra argentea in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Dichondra argentea

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-08-09
Research By: TMH, GDG

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