Dollarwood

Dollarweed, also known as pennywort, is a creeping, water-loving perennial weed often found in moist or poorly drained lawns and landscapes. Its distinctive round, coin-shaped leaves give it its name. While small patches might look harmless, dollarweed spreads rapidly through underground rhizomes and thrives in overwatered turf, quickly overtaking weak grass areas.

How to Identify

Dollarweed has bright green, round leaves about the size of a silver dollar with a smooth edge and a glossy surface. Each leaf is attached to a long stem (petiole) that connects at the center of the leaf, resembling a tiny umbrella. It grows low to the ground and spreads horizontally through creeping stems and underground roots.

Lifecycle

Dollarweed is a warm-season perennial that reproduces by both seed and underground rhizomes. It grows actively during warm, humid months and often appears in shaded, damp, or over-irrigated lawns where turfgrass is thin or struggling.

Prevention & Control

Effective control begins by reducing soil moisture and correcting drainage problems. Avoid overwatering and improve air circulation in low-lying areas. For chemical control, use a selective broadleaf herbicide labeled for dollarweed during active growth. Multiple applications may be required for heavy infestations.