Dichondra donelliana – California Ponysfoot

Dichondra donelliana – California Ponysfoot

This lovely California native perennial forms a thick, mat-like groundcover of rounded green leaves densely packed along creeping stems. Native to coastal plant communities, open slopes, and moist grasslands, it brings a soft, tidy texture to small-scale groundcover and meadow plantings. Tiny greenish-white spring flowers are understated but interesting among the foliage. Once popular as a lawn substitute, California ponysfoot also offers possibilities for green roofs and walls where a low, spreading plant is desirable. It spreads by runners, so give it room rather than placing it where strict containment is needed. Grow in full sun on the immediate coast and light shade elsewhere, with moderate summer water.

Key Features:

• Evergreen perennial groundcover
• California native, including North Bay coastal plant communities
• Rounded green leaves form a dense mat along creeping stems
• Tiny greenish-white flowers in spring
• Spreads by runners; not suited to tightly contained spaces
• Useful for open slopes, headlands, small groundcover areas, and meadow plantings
• Potential candidate for green roofs and walls
• Formerly used as a lawn alternative
• Full sun on the immediate coast; light shade elsewhere
• Moderate summer water recommended

Growing Details:
Height: 3–6 inches | Spread: 2–4 feet, spreading by runners
Exposure: Full sun on the immediate coast; light shade elsewhere | Water: Moderate summer water
Bloom time: Spring | Bloom color: Greenish-white
Cold hardiness: Approximately 30°F