Dollarweed

(Updated: October 10, 2022)

Description

Dollarweed (Hydrocotyle umbellata) is a perennial weed commonly found in very wet areas. Dollarweed can float in water. Plants reproduce from rhizomes, and have leaves that are on long stalks. Solid scalloped leaves are attached to the stalk on the underside and form an inverted "umbrella" shape. Clusters of white flowers form in late summer.

Cultural Control

Perennial broadleaf turf weeds are capable of living more than two years. They thrive in weak, thin turf; golf fairways and roughs; home lawns; playfields; and industrial grounds. Proper turf maintenance is the key to control of this weed. First, select adapted turfgrass cultivars for your area and then properly fertilize, mow, and water to encourage dense growth.

Species Data

  • GROWTH SEASON / LIFE CYCLE
    • perennial weed
  • GROWTH HABIT
    • prostrate, spreading; leaves on erect long petioles
  • LEAFLET NUMBER
    • one
  • LEAF MARGIN
    • serrated/toothed; scalloped
  • LEAF HAIRS
    • none
  • LEAF / LEAFLET SHAPE
    • round
  • LEAF WIDTH
    • 1 inch to greater than 2 inches
  • LEAF VENATION
    • palmate; petiole attaches to center of leaf and veins arise from this point
  • LEAF ARRANGEMENT
    • alternate
  • ROOT TYPE
    • fibrous
  • FLOWER COLOR
    • white

This Extension publication can also be viewed at: https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/dollarweed