Silver Ponyfoot
Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea)
By Teresa Grau Ros from Barcelona - Dichondra argentea, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97253936
Scientific Name: Dichondra argentea
Common Names: Silver Ponyfoot, Silver Falls, Creeping Dichondra
Native to: Southwest United States and parts of Mexico (Texas)
Lighting Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 2 to 4 inches
Width: Spreads 12 to 18 inches
Winter Look: Semi-evergreen in mild climates; may die back in colder regions
Seasonal Interest: Silvery-gray, round leaves provide year-round interest; small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring to summer
Drought Tolerance: High; very drought-tolerant once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil; tolerates poor soils
pH Range: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8–11 (grown as an annual in colder zones)
Deer Resistance: Moderately resistant
Attracts: Pollinators, particularly bees
Potential Issues: Can be invasive in some areas; may require occasional pruning to maintain compactness
Notes: A versatile ground cover or trailing plant, Silver Ponyfoot is often used in hanging baskets and containers or as a spiller in mixed plantings. Its silvery foliage provides a striking contrast in garden beds and is ideal for drought-tolerant landscapes. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to various soil types, making it a low-maintenance addition to the garden.