groundcover

Asian Ponysfoot

The Story

Plant Bio

Dichondra micrantha is a prostrate, mat-forming perennial groundcover that spreads via creeping stems rooting freely at the leaf nodes. The bright green foliage consists of small, kidney-shaped to circular leaves that form a dense, low-growing carpet up to four inches tall.

This species produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers on short stalks that curve downward as the fruit matures. It serves as an alternative to traditional turfgrass in warm-temperate regions, though it does not tolerate heavy foot traffic.

Uses & Benefits:

Forms a lush, bright green, uniform carpet of kidney-shaped leaves that softens hardscapes and fills gaps between stepping stones.

Serves as an excellent low-maintenance lawn substitute in low-traffic, warm-climate areas where traditional turf struggles.

Provides ground cover that suppresses weeds and supports small generalist insect pollinators with its tiny flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Groundcover

Height

Width

40"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia, Mesoamerica

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade, ensuring protection from scorching midday sun.
Clear the planting area of all weeds and grass, as this low-growing groundcover is difficult to weed once established.
Space plugs or potted divisions six to twelve inches apart to allow the creeping stolons to knit together into a solid mat.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist until the root system is fully established and the ground is covered.

Pro Tip

Establish physical borders or deep edging around garden beds, as the creeping stems root aggressively at every node and will quickly invade adjacent plantings.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer dry spells.
Install deep physical edging to contain the creeping stolons within designated borders.
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring if growing in poor soils.

Don't

Do not subject this groundcover to heavy foot or vehicle traffic, as the delicate stems crush easily.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients encourage weak, lush growth that is susceptible to disease.
Do not allow aggressive weeds to establish within the mat, as they are difficult to remove without damaging the stolons.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverLawn SubstituteUnderstory PlantingBetween PaversHanging Baskets

Companion Plants

Phyla nodiflora Ophiopogon japonicus Viola sororia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Asian Ponysfoot questions

What zones can Asian Ponysfoot grow in?

Asian Ponysfoot is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Asian Ponysfoot bloom?

Asian Ponysfoot typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Asian Ponysfoot need full sun?

Asian Ponysfoot does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.