Lysimachia nummularia is a fast spreading groundcover prized for its small rounded leaves and creeping habit that forms dense mats along the ground. Its bright yellow cup shaped flowers bloom in early summer making it a striking accent in shady or moist garden spaces. This plant is excellent for erosion control on slopes or cascading over stone walls and it can tolerate foot traffic in garden pathways or between stepping stones.
Height & Spread: 2 - 4 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to wet soil
Watering Needs: Medium to high; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Generally resistant due to low growth and dense matting habit
Native Status
Lysimachia nummularia, commonly known as Creeping Jenny, is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has naturalized in North America, especially in damp woodlands and wetlands.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Visited by small solitary bees and hoverflies seeking nectar from shallow yellow blooms.
Butterflies
- Provides a ground level nectar source for low flying species such as Pearl Crescents and Spring Azures.
Beneficial Insects
- Offers shelter and moisture for ground beetles and lacewing larvae both of which contribute to natural pest control.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow spreading while maintaining defined patches or ground patterns.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for pathways, rain gardens, pond edges, and container spillers where it can trail and soften hard edges.
Companion Plants
- Mimulus ringens (Allegheny Monkeyflower) - Moisture loving native that adds violet flowers and vertical interest to wet areas.
- Primula japonica (Japanese Primrose) - Tall stalks of pink or red whorled blooms add height above the spreading foliage of Lysimachia.
- Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger) - Broad foliage and low growth habit pair well in shaded woodland or rain garden settings.
- Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' - Miniature blue gray leaves create a bold color and texture contrast with creeping golden foliage.
- Carex elata 'Aurea' - Yellow variegated sedge mimics and enhances the warm tones of Creeping Jenny foliage.