Creeping jenny - Lysimachia nummularia (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Creeping jenny

Also known as: Two penny grass, Running jenny

The Latin name Lysimachia nummularia means "like a coin", giving the additional common names of herb twopence or twopenny grass. The creeping jenny works well as a groundcover and can be used in a bog garden.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia)

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Early summer, Mid summer

Harvest Time

5 cm

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

2 cm

Flower Size

Red, Purple

Fruit Color

Yellow, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Creeping jenny

Distribution of Creeping jenny

Distribution Map

Creeping jenny is native to most of Europe and Russia and also grows widely as in introduced species in many US and Canadian states. It favors wet or thin and rocky soils. The plant is classified as an invasive species in some states of the United States.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Pastures, by the sides of streams

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a perennial with an attractive trailing appearance which makes it a great plant to grow in hanging baskets and raised containers. It also spills down walls or grows well along slopes and banks, making it a great companion to ornamental grasses or daylilies. Creeping jenny also makes for a great groundcover and adds great interest to a bog or rock garden. The rounded yellow-green leaves are glossy and provide the main ornamental appeal of this plant.

Symbolism

Peace, tranquility

Interesting Facts

Creeping jenny originated in Europe but has since become naturalized in the United States and is even considered an invasive weed in some places. Once established, it is difficult to remove because any amount of root left behind will grow. Otherwise, it is sometimes used as groundcover and for accent plantings. In ancient folk medicine, it was used to treat wounds, gout, and kidney stones.

Name Story

Creeping jenny: There is a botanical book in medieval times called "Creeping Jenny Centrum Morbidium" and the name means that "good medicine for all diseases". This is the kind of plant that is commonly used in traditional medicine. As it also spreads like it is creeping, it is called creeping Jenny.

Moneywort: The latin nummularia, refers to the meaning of "like a coin" which is inspired by the shape and color of the flowers. Hence, the common name such as moneywort is a reference to coins.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Creeping jenny, including the following common varieties :

Creeping jenny 'Goldilocks'Creeping jenny 'Aurea'

Quickly Identify Creeping jenny

Forms dense, mat-like growth habit.

Small, cup-shaped yellow flowers with red dots.

Leaves are nearly circular with a glossy finish.

Stems are slender, green, and produce roots at leaf nodes.

Opposite pairs of roundish leaves with subtle vein patterns.

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Care Guide for Creeping jenny

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Creeping jenny thrives in moist environments, preferring consistent hydration reflective of its woodland origins. It tolerates brief dry spells but should be watered weekly for optimal growth. As an evergreen, creeping jenny maintains lush foliage year-round, benefiting from regular watering and avoiding waterlogged conditions.

Fertilize: For creeping jenny, use a balanced fertilizer (N-P-K 10-10-10) monthly in the growing season, avoiding winter application. Water soil before fertilizing and never apply directly to foliage. Mature creeping jenny may need less fertilizer, especially in poor soils, to enhance health without risking nutrient overload.

Pruning: Creeping jenny is a low-growing perennial with vibrant yellow-green foliage. Regular pruning in early to late spring helps maintain its shape and vigor, promoting denser growth and reducing disease risk by removing dead stems and overgrown areas.

Propagation: Creeping jenny propagates efficiently via cuttings during spring or summer. Successful propagation is marked by new leaf growth. Ensure cuttings remain moist and provide proper drainage for the best outcomes.

Repotting: Creeping jenny should be repotted every 2-3 years to enhance vigor, ideally in early spring. Use a wider pot to support its spreading growth. After repotting, maintain moist soil and partial sunlight for the best recovery, resulting in a vibrant addition to any space.

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Images of Creeping jenny

Distribution of Creeping jenny

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Creeping jenny

Care Guide for Creeping jenny

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