Plant Profile: Pilea nummulariifolia

Creeping Charlie, a perennial groundcover belonging to the Urticaceae family, is commonly cultivated as a houseplant. However, when grown outdoors, it tends to behave like a weed. The plant features oval leaves that are a vibrant, glossy medium green, adorned with small scalloped edges. Its veins are recessed, creating a puffy, crinkled appearance in the spaces between them. Although the flowers are a pale greenish-white, they are not particularly noteworthy. The plant's sprawling, fleshy stems can take root at the nodes where they touch the soil, contributing to its weedy nature. If you choose to plant it outside, select frost-free, sheltered areas, or consider using it as an annual in bedding or containers. Additionally, the leaves are edible and can be incorporated into teas.