Pennywort is an aggressive weed that spreads quickly and can take over your lawn if left unchecked. This guide walks you through safe, effective ways to remove pennywort, from hand-pulling to targeted herbicides. You’ll also learn how to prevent it from returning and restore a lush, green lawn.
Key Takeaways
- Identify Pennywort Early: Look for round leaves with notched edges and stems that root easily—early detection prevents spread.
- Manual Removal Works Best: Pull pennywort by hand when soil is moist for maximum root removal and minimal regrowth.
- Use Selective Herbicides: Apply glyphosate or triclopyr-based products on sunny days for best results without harming grass.
- Improve Lawn Health: A thick, strong lawn naturally resists weeds like pennywort through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization.
- Monitor Regularly: Check your lawn monthly during growing seasons to catch new pennywort plants before they spread.
- Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture encourages pennywort growth—adjust irrigation to keep soil evenly moist, not soggy.
- Re-seed Bare Patches: Fill gaps where you removed pennywort with grass seed to prevent reinfestation and promote even coverage.
How to Get Rid of Pennywort in My Lawn
Have you noticed small, round leaves creeping across your lawn like tiny coins? That’s likely pennywort—a fast-growing weed that thrives in damp conditions and can quickly take over if ignored. Unlike many lawn pests, pennywort doesn’t just look unsightly; it competes with your grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to thinning turf and brown patches.
In this complete how-to guide, you’ll discover exactly how to identify, remove, and prevent pennywort from ruining your lawn. Whether you prefer organic solutions or are open to chemical treatments, we’ve got practical steps tailored for homeowners who want a healthy, weed-free yard without spending hours on endless cleanup.
What Is Pennywort?
Pennywort (Hydrocotyle spp.) is a low-growing perennial weed commonly found in lawns across North America. It spreads via creeping stems that root at nodes when they touch the soil. Each stem produces small, rounded leaves with notched edges—hence the name “pennywort,” reminiscent of ancient Roman coins.
This invasive plant loves shade, moisture, and compacted soil. It often appears in shady areas, along sidewalks, or in spots where water pools after rain. While harmless to humans and pets, pennywort can be stubborn to eliminate once established.
Step 1: Confirm You’re Dealing With Pennywort
Before launching into treatment, make sure you’re targeting the right culprit. Many weeds resemble pennywort, so accurate identification saves time and avoids unnecessary treatments.
Look for These Key Features:
- Leaf Shape: Small, round, or kidney-shaped leaves about ½ inch wide with wavy or notched edges.
- Stems: Creeping, trailing stems that root wherever they touch moist soil.
- Growth Habit: Forms dense mats that smother surrounding grass.
- Color: Bright green during growing season; may turn yellowish in dry periods.
If your lawn has these traits and grows best in damp, shaded zones, you’re almost certainly dealing with pennywort—not clover, moss, or other common lawn invaders.
Step 2: Manual Removal for Small Infestations
For light to moderate pennywort outbreaks, manual removal is safe, eco-friendly, and highly effective—especially when done correctly.
When to Pull:
- Early morning or late afternoon when soil is cool and moist.
- Avoid pulling during drought—dry soil makes roots break off, leaving behind stubborn fragments.
How to Pull Pennywort Properly:
- Put on gardening gloves to protect your hands.
- Grip the base of each stem near the soil surface.
- Pull firmly upward while gently twisting—this helps loosen anchoring roots.
- Remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth.
- Dispose of pulled plants in sealed trash bags (do not compost).
Pro Tip: Use a dandelion fork for tight spaces—it loosens soil around pennywort clumps without damaging nearby grass roots.
Step 3: Spot-Treat With Herbicide (If Needed)
When pennywort covers large areas or returns repeatedly despite manual efforts, targeted herbicide application becomes necessary. Choose selective or non-selective options based on your lawn type and tolerance level.
Best Herbicides for Pennywort:
- Selective Glyphosate-Free Options: Products containing triclopyr work well on broadleaf weeds like pennywort without harming most grasses (check label compatibility).
- Non-Selective Glyphosate: Effective but kills all vegetation it contacts—use only on bare patches or driveways adjacent to lawn edges.
Application Tips:
- Apply on calm, dry days with no rain forecast for 24–48 hours.
- Use a sprayer or sponge brush to target individual plants—avoid overspray onto desirable grass.
- Repeat every 7–10 days until pennywort disappears completely.
Note: Always follow manufacturer instructions regarding dilution rates, protective gear, and re-entry intervals.
Step 4: Improve Lawn Conditions to Prevent Return
Pennywort thrives in poor lawn health. By creating unfavorable conditions, you make your yard less inviting to future invasions.
Boost Grass Density:
- Mow regularly at recommended heights for your grass species (usually 2.5–3 inches).
- Overseeding thin spots with shade-tolerant varieties like fine fescue strengthens turf competition.
Adjust Watering Habits:
- Water deeply but infrequently (about 1 inch per week) to encourage deep root growth.
- Avoid sprinklers that wet leaves or create puddles—these feed pennywort.
Enhance Soil Drainage:
- Aerate compacted soil annually to improve air, water, and nutrient flow.
- Add organic matter such as compost to boost microbial activity and reduce standing water.
Healthy lawns outcompete weeds naturally—think of it as building a fortress against invasion.
Step 5: Monitor and Maintain
Eliminating pennywort isn’t a one-time fix. Ongoing vigilance ensures long-term success.
Monthly Checks During Growing Season:
- Walk your property and inspect shaded or damp zones.
- Remove any new pennywort immediately—small plants are easier to kill than established mats.
Seasonal Maintenance:
- Fertilize in spring and fall using slow-release formulas balanced for your grass type.
- Test soil pH annually; adjust if needed (most grasses prefer 6.0–7.0).
By staying proactive, you’ll avoid costly re-infestation and enjoy a lush, resilient lawn year-round.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Pennywort Keeps Coming Back
Cause: Incomplete root removal or favorable growing conditions persist.
Solution: Combine manual removal with targeted herbicide applications. Also review watering practices—overhead irrigation increases humidity and moisture on foliage, promoting spread.
Problem: Herbicide Harms Desired Grass
Cause: Overspray or incompatible product selection.
Solution: Switch to selective herbicides labeled safe for your grass species. Test a small area first and use a shield or drop-spreader to minimize drift.
Problem: Shade Limits Grass Growth
Cause: Dense tree cover creates ideal pennywort habitat.
Solution: Consider planting shade-tolerant groundcovers or replacing struggling grass with native alternatives suited to low-light environments.
Natural Alternatives to Chemical Herbicides
Not everyone wants to use synthetic chemicals in their yard. Fortunately, several natural methods can suppress pennywort effectively:
- Vinegar Spray: Mix white vinegar (20% acetic acid), salt, and dish soap. Spray directly on pennywort on sunny days. Repeat weekly until gone. Note: This also kills nearby plants, so apply carefully.
- Baking Soda Solution: Create a paste of baking soda and water, apply to affected areas. The alkaline nature disrupts plant metabolism. Less potent than herbicides but safer for pets and kids.
- Boiling Water: Pour boiling water directly on pennywort clusters. Fast-acting but limited to small, isolated patches due to collateral damage risk.
While slower than chemical options, these methods align with organic gardening principles and pose minimal environmental impact.
Conclusion: Reclaim Your Lawn From Pennywort
Getting rid of pennywort doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With consistent effort, the right tools, and smart lawn care habits, you can eliminate this pesky weed and keep it away for good. Start with identification and manual removal, escalate to herbicides if needed, then focus on strengthening your lawn’s defenses.
Remember—prevention is always easier than eradication. By improving drainage, adjusting irrigation, and maintaining dense turf, you create an environment where pennywort simply cannot thrive. And when you spot new growth early, tackle it immediately before it spreads.
Your dream of a vibrant, weed-free lawn is within reach. Roll up those sleeves, grab your gloves, and reclaim control today.