Dichondra micrantha
Asian ponysfoot
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Family: Convolvulaceae · Type: Herb · Not Native
Dichondra micrantha (Asian ponysfoot) is a non-native California herb in the Convolvulaceae family, recognized by sparse hairs and non-native status.
Asian ponysfoot is a naturalized perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada foothills, southern California, and expected in other regions, growing in disturbed sites and urban canyon areas at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white flowers approximately 2 millimeters long. Growing with slightly sparse hairs and spreading stems, it forms low-growing ground cover. Its leaves have petioles 2 to 3.5 centimeters long with rounded blades 8 to 12 millimeters long and 9 to 15 millimeters wide. The plant thrives in urban and disturbed landscapes, often appearing inconspicuously among other ground vegetation.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; distinguished by sparse hairs and non-native status
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed sites, canyons near urban areas
Elevation: < 1000 m
Outside California: to eastern United States, Mexico, South America, southwestern Europe, Africa, southern Asia
Bloom period
Dichondra micrantha blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Claytonia: Claytonia leaves are spoon-shaped or linear, not kidney-shaped with central notch like Dichondra.; vs Viola: Viola has heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips; Dichondra leaves are perfectly round with deep notch.; vs Cardamine: Cardamine has divided or lobed leaves; Dichondra leaves are simple, kidney-shaped, unlobed.; vs Trifolium: Trifolium has three leaflets per leaf; Dichondra has single kidney-shaped leaves.; vs Calystegia: Calystegia climbs or trails with large flowers; Dichondra forms ground mats with tiny hidden flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dichondra micrantha native to California?
No. Dichondra micrantha is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Dichondra micrantha bloom?
Dichondra micrantha blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Dichondra micrantha belong to?
Dichondra micrantha is in the Convolvulaceae family, genus Dichondra.
What habitat does Dichondra micrantha grow in?
Dichondra micrantha grows in Disturbed sites, canyons near urban areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.