Permascaping, by Homegrown Foods
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Low carpet of small round green leaves

Native & adapted

Dichondra

Dichondra repens

Also known as Kidney weed · Ponysfoot · Lawn leaf

A soft, low carpet of round green leaves that takes light foot traffic and more shade than turf. It wants regular water in the desert summer, so it suits small shaded lawns and paths rather than open sun.

WalkableLawn alternativeShade tolerant
Landscape layersGround cover
Mature size1–3 in. tall, spreading by runners
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b
Hardiness guidanceFrost may brown it; it regrows in spring

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Cold hardinessHardy here

Frost can brown the leaves, but it regrows in spring. No covering needed.

Heat toleranceShade from late-afternoon sun

Best in part shade, where it often beats bermudagrass. In full west sun it scorches and needs a lot of water.

Sources: extension.arizona.edu

Right plant, right place

Will Dichondra grow at your Arizona property?

Best in shaded courtyards, between pavers and under high canopy. Seed in spring or fall, or set plugs.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Part shade to filtered sun. Full afternoon sun in summer scorches it.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate to regular. Shallow roots need steady moisture in summer heat.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Dichondra thrive

  1. 1

    Keep the seedbed moist until it covers.

  2. 2

    Water deeply and regularly through summer.

  3. 3

    Mow rarely, if at all, to keep it soft.

Read the horticultural reference ↗

Keep exploring

More plants for this system