Horseherb is a shade-tolerant ground cover in the daisy (Asteraceae) family that is typically found in woodlands, roadsides, meadows, and disturbed sites. In the US, it is native to Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and has been introduced into many other states. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and will spread with underground stolons in ideal conditions. It prefers shade to dappled shade in well-drained sandy soils but will adapt to more sun. Propagation is typically done through root cutting or division. It can be grown from seed, however, seed is difficult to collect in large quantities. Tiny yellow flowers dot the bright green plants from spring to summer with their nectar attracting small butterflies. Use it as a replacement for grass in dry, shady locations where other grasses cannot grow. For others, it can be seen as a nuisance, competing with your manicured lawn and beds. It makes an excellent ground cover for sloped locations. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Root rot can occur from too wet soils. Plant struggle with heavy leaf litter from upper canopy plants. Can be weedy
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheBuddleja x weyerianaSalvia rosmarinusx Heucherella
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Ground Cover; Herbaceous Perennial; Wildflower
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low; Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Creeping; Horizontal; Prostrate
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Deltoid; Lanceolate
Leaf margin
Serrate
Leaf value
Edible
Leaf size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Green leaves are 1/2 to 1 inch long with toothed margins.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Long Bloom Season
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Bell; Radial
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Tiny yellow daisy-like flowers bloom from spring to fall or even year-round in frost-free areas. The 3 to 8 yellow ray petals surround 10 to 20 disc flowers
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
After flowering, a dry, one-seeded fruit will expand, forming a crown of stiff bristles. These aid in the seed dispersal.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Single stemmed. The green stems can have fine red stripes and stiff hairs.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Southern U.S.A., Caribbean, Venezuela
Distribution
It can be found in the lower 48 states.
Wildlife value
Nectar from flowers attract sulfur and skipper butterflies. Safe for animal consumption.
Attracts
Butterflies
Play value
Attracts Pollinators; Easy to Grow; Shade; Wildlife Food Source
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves
Fruit type
Achene
Edibility
The leaves can be eaten by both humans and animals.