Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a low-growing perennial herbaceous plant known for its vibrant yellow flowers and round, coin-like leaves. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, it serves as a ground cover in the herbaceous layer, effectively suppressing weeds and preventing soil erosion. Its dense mat provides habitat for beneficial insects and helps retain soil moisture. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory properties. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile addition to natural farming systems. In a food forest, it can be paired with taller plants like comfrey or fruit trees to maximize ground cover and soil health.
Growing Details
Creeping Jenny thrives in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. It pairs well with taller plants like comfrey or fruit trees, which provide partial shade. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Harvest leaves sparingly to prevent stress on the plant. Store harvested leaves in a cool, dry place if not used immediately.
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Lysimachia nummularia</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and Western Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of Jun for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The leaves of Creeping Jenny can be used sparingly in salads, although they are not widely consumed due to their low nutritional value. Caution is advised as excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.
Medicinal Rating:
(2/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, Creeping Jenny has been used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The leaves can be made into a poultice for topical application on wounds and skin conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited, and it should be used with caution.
health concerns: Excessive consumption of Creeping Jenny may cause digestive issues.
other uses: Creeping Jenny can be used as living mulch due to its rapid growth and ability to cover soil surfaces, enhancing soil moisture retention and reducing erosion.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Lysimachia nummularia
common names: Creeping Jenny; Moneywort; Herb Twopence
family: Primulaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Lysimachia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.1 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 18ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: Medium
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.1 m
max width: 1.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Creeping Jenny thrives in moist, well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight. Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost to improve fertility. Mulching with straw or wood chips helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. It pairs well with taller plants like comfrey or fruit trees, which provide partial shade. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Harvest leaves sparingly to prevent stress on the plant. Store harvested leaves in a cool, dry place if not used immediately.
Potential Disturbances: Creeping Jenny is generally free from significant pressures but can occasionally be affected by slugs and snails. Introduce natural predators like ducks or use organic barriers such as crushed eggshells around the plants. Companion planting with garlic or chives can help deter these challenges.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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