Wedelia (Sphagneticola trilobata): Aggressive Ground Cover with Yellow Daisy Flowers

Wedelia, also called creeping daisy, rabbit's paw, water zinnia, or Singapore daisy, is a fast-spreading, mat-forming perennial with glossy, three-lobed leaves and bright yellow daisy flowers. It is widely used in tropical and subtropical regions for erosion control but is considered invasive in many areas.

Botanical Profile

• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Sphagneticola (formerly Wedelia)
• Species: trilobata
• Synonyms: Complaya trilobata, Silphium trilobatum, Thelechitonia trilobata, Wedelia paludosa, Wedelia trilobata

Features

Forms a dense mat 6–12 inches tall, rooting at nodes. Leaves are fleshy, glossy, three-lobed. Yellow, 1-inch daisy flowers year-round in warm climates. Extremely vigorous; spreads rapidly by stolons and stem fragments.

Culture

Full sun to shade. Adaptable to most soils, including wet. Tropical to subtropical (USDA zones 8–11). Drought-tolerant once established. Very difficult to eradicate once established.

Uses and Cautions

Erosion control on slopes, roadside plantings, large-scale ground cover where containment is possible (paved boundaries). Not recommended for home gardens due to invasive potential. Listed as invasive in Florida, Hawaii, and many tropical regions.