This week we are highlighting the beautiful bacopa (Bacopa monnieri)! This perennial
groundcover is also known as herb of grace or water hyssop. The bacopa’s range extends
throughout most of Florida.

You’ve likely seen bacopa growing in sunny moist to wet areas around Sanibel. In the wild, it
can be found growing along the edges of wetlands, marshes, swamps, and floodplains.
Although not considered tolerant of salt water flooding, it can handle occasional salt spray.
Bacopa is quick growing and stays low to the ground. If given the time, it can fill out a garden
area. Bacopa is evergreen in Southwest Florida, and its leaves are small and slightly succulent.
It blooms throughout the year producing small bell-shaped white to light pink flowers. In more
northern parts of its range, bloom time is generally spring through fall.

Although small, bacopa’s flowers are an excellent pollinator attractant. A variety of both native
bees and butterflies frequent its nectar rich flowers. It is also the larval host plant for the white
peacock butterfly (Anartia jatrophae)! Plant bacopa to your garden as an excellent addition to
wetland pollinator gardens as an easy to maintain, quick growing native ground cover!

The Native Landscapes & Garden Center hours are now Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only. Please call ahead for an appointment at 239-472-1932.

For more information:
Florida Wildflower Foundation:
https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-bacopa-monnieri/

Florida Native Plant Society:
https://www.fnps.org/plant/bacopa-monnieri#gsc.tab=0

Atlas of Florida Plants:
https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/plant/species/3764