Lysimachia nummularia

creeping jenny

Lysimachia nummularia (Creeping Jenny / Moneywort) is a fast-spreading perennial groundcover with a trailing, mat-forming habit. It features small, round, bright green leaves on creeping stems that root as they spread, creating a dense carpet. Small cup-shaped yellow flowers appear in late spring to summer. It is valued for its ability to soften edges, fill gaps, and spill over walls or containers, but it can spread aggressively in favorable conditions.

Type: Perennial groundcover
Mature Size: 12–24" W+ × 2–4" H
USDA Zones: 3a–9b
Form: Trailing, spreading, mat-forming

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained to average soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture but tolerates some short dry periods once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to summer; light to moderate bloom (2–4 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees; minimal other wildlife value noted in major references

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for groundcover, edging, between stepping stones, containers, and spilling over walls or pond edges. Its creeping stems root at the nodes and can form a broad mat quickly, so it works best where spreading is welcome or can be managed. In some regions it has naturalized outside gardens, so use with caution near natural areas.

Care:
Grow in sun to part shade in evenly moist soil for best appearance. Trim or thin as needed to control spread. It performs especially well in moist sites, but avoid letting it overrun nearby plants or natural areas. 

Plant type

Groundcover, Perennial

Height

2-4'

Width

12-24"

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

Yellow

Fall color

Light Green

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Container, Groundcover

Shape

Mat forming, Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No