Gardening information for Dichondra occidentalis

1. Western dichondra – Dichondra occidentalis (dy-KON-druh ok-sih-den-TAY-liss )
Family: Convolvulaceae (Morning Glory Family)
Native to: Coastal California from Los Angeles Co. to Baja; uncommon on dry, sandy slopes, banks
in coastal sage scrub, chaparral, in shade under trees or bushes. Habitat disappearing in the wilds.
Growth characteristics: creeping perennial mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Herbaceous perennial groundcover that spreads via rhizomes. Completely summer deciduous (dies
back to the ground); re-emerges with spring rains. Leaves green, to 1 inch, kidney-shaped (typical
dichondra) on long petioles (leaf stalks). Very attractive foliage.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – March to May. Flowers are a pretty purple, but so small and
hidden that they are mostly treated as inconspicuous.
Uses in the garden: Most useful as a groundcover in shady areas that get moderate water. Good
under trees or large shrubs. Combine with native grasses (Melic grass) and bulbs. Good choice for
around shady stepping stones/pavers. Also nice in shady pots, where it will drape.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native dichondras.
Attracts: Little known about interactions – probably attracts some small pollinator insects.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to quite shady.
Soil Likes well-drained soils. Grows in sandy/rocky soils in nature. Can grow in clays.
Water Best with occasional to moderate summer water – every other week in summer.
Fertilizer ½ strength would be fine.
Other Thin (1 inch or less) leaf mulch is ideal.
Management: Plants are easy to grow in shady places. Don’t ever-water. Will spread, but is
easily pulled back or cut out and transplanted.
Propagation: from seed: ??? by divisions: easy in spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 13, 14, 20 1/20/15
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