Moneywort

Lysimachia nummularia

Moneywort is a creeping perennial broadleaf weed that is also commonly known as Creeping Loosestrife, Yellow Myrtle, Creeping Jenny, Creeping Charlie, Herb Twopence and Two-penny Grass. Its scientific name is Lysimachia nummularia.

Identify

Opposite

Creeping

Round

Moneywort forms mats of laterally branched stems and can be easily identified by the smooth, glandular dots on the surface of its leaves. This broadleaf weed also has short petioles and stems that root at the nodes, producing a shallow root system. Moneywort is sometimes sold in nurseries as a ground cover. Moneywort also has bright-yellow flowers that are produced individually on stalks in the leaf axils.

Life Cycle

Moneywort thrives in moist soils along streams, riverbanks, ditches and roadsides. This broadleaf weed can be found throughout much of the continental United States.

Control

Proper cultural practices, such as proper mowing and watering, can help prevent Lysimachia nummularia by creating dense grass, which inhibits this broadleaf weed’s ability to grow. Physical removal (i.e., pulling weeds) can be effective, though you run the risk of spreading the seeds to additional areas of your lawn.