Dichondra, Kidneyweed, Pony Foot (Dichondra argentea)

I saw this for the first time this summer. It was in a large urn with flowering annuals. At first I didn't think it was real; the leaves were so silvery and felt like silk. I am looking forward to growing it next summer. It is an annual here and will make a great addition to my pots.

It is a very unusual color and provides great texture. You are right ... it doesn't look real. This photo was taken at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. I don't know how old the plants are, but they fill in this embankment very nicely and obviously do not take much supplemetal water. In other areas, the plants cascade over and down the retaining walls creating "Silver Falls" (the name by which it is known in some locales). I too want to plant a few next year.

If the photo (and all of my other ones) is too light on your screen, I have made a big "boo boo" when viewing my photos. I had decreased the brightness on my monitor last year to reduce eyestrain because I work on computers most of the day at work. Then, like a dummy, I forgot to increase it when viewing my database photos. I thought the colors looked pretty good on my monitor after adjusting the photos' brightness and contrast levels. I was loading Windows updates on 32 computers and had time to kill when I checked this photo out on another monitor yesterday and nearly croaked when I saw how light it is. Sorry if the colors are not correct. I really had to fiddle with this photo in an attempt to have the color of the plants just right. When I saw it, I really felt bad. I almost asked to have all 200+ of my photos removed because I am sort of a perfectionist, but this would put extra work on the crew at Dave's garden. Oh, well, I just have to admit that a computer "expert" goofed! Hopefully, I have my monitor set normally now and my next photos will look better. I should have checked them out sooner. Thanks for taking the time to post a comment. :o)

I too like the looks of the Dichondra. It would look great in containers and baskets I would think, NoH20. I think I will keep this in mind for my front porch urns next summer. Thanks for the picture, htop.

Your welcome, roshana. I had been thinking of just using it as a ground cover, but you both gave me an idea. I am going to plant some in one of my containers attached to my fence and let it flow down to hide my ugly fence boards. Thank you both for your comments. :o)

This message was edited Oct 31, 2003 6:51 PM

might the name "kidney weed" indicate an herbal use for this plant? being an herbalist I'd like to know? Any one?

CarolynnKoi, I am researching this plant and have not found any herbal use for it as of yet. It is classified as an herb. The term "kidney weed" from what I have read so far refers to the shape of the leaves. If I find there are herbal uses, I will let you know. Thanks for your comment.

I was really excited when I found this plant. I had no idea what it was and couldn't wait to check it out so see where to plant it. It sounds like it is invasive! But I am going to use it in hanging baskets. Hopefully I can hold it over in my greenhouse for next year. I live in Oregon, hopefully it will do well.

It does spread by the stems rooting where they touch the ground. I planted some in a hanging basket this spring and it is doing great so far.