The query 'Can you eat moneywort?' is a common one for those interested in foraging or natural food sources, yet it reveals a significant point of confusion regarding botanical identity. The term 'moneywort' is not exclusive to a single plant and can lead to dangerous errors. The most common plant referred to as moneywort, particularly in North America and Europe, is Lysimachia nummularia, also known as creeping jenny. However, other plants, including the toxic houseplant pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and the Ayurvedic herb Bacopa monnieri, are also sometimes called moneywort, with completely different properties and risks. For the purposes of this article, we focus primarily on the edibility of Lysimachia nummularia while highlighting the critical importance of proper identification to avoid poisoning.
Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia): Edibility and Safety Concerns
Some sources, often referencing historical herbal practices, suggest that the leaves and flowers of Lysimachia nummularia can be used in small quantities. Traditional uses include adding the slightly sour leaves to salads, making herbal tea to treat coughs or diarrhea, or preparing topical applications for skin conditions like eczema. However, these are folk remedies, and reliable scientific evidence to support either their effectiveness or safety for internal consumption is notably lacking. The potential side effects of consuming moneywort orally have not been sufficiently studied, and organizations like WebMD advise against its use due to insufficient reliable information.
Experts also emphasize that even with medicinal herbs, they should not be consumed daily or in large quantities. The most pressing safety concern with creeping jenny lies in misidentification. It is easily confused with other plants, including the poisonous yellow pimpernel. An authoritative source, Brickfields Country Park, explicitly warns against eating or using creeping jenny as an herbal remedy, underscoring the risks involved.
The Risks of Mistaken Identity
One of the most dangerous aspects of relying on common names is the potential for confusion. The name 'money plant' or 'moneywort' is sometimes applied to the popular houseplant pothos (Epipremnum aureum), which is highly toxic when ingested. Pothos contains microscopic, needle-like calcium oxalate crystals (raphides) that can cause severe irritation, swelling, and burning sensations in the mouth, tongue, and throat. Ingestion can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Due to this very real and potentially painful risk, anyone considering foraging for plants must be 100% certain of the plant's identity. Never consume a plant based on a common name alone.
Other plants confusingly named 'moneywort':
- Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri): An aquatic plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for cognitive enhancement. It is not the same as creeping jenny and is grown specifically for medicinal purposes, not as a general food source.
- Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris): A different herb entirely, historically used in European and Chinese medicine and for seasoning, but also carrying its own set of precautions and risks, especially for pregnant individuals.
A Comparative Look at "Moneywort" Plants
This table highlights the stark differences between the plants often confused under the name 'moneywort'.
| Feature | Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) | Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Water Hyssop (Bacopa monnieri) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Name | Moneywort, Creeping Jenny | Money Plant, Devil's Ivy | Moneywort, Water Hyssop |
| Edibility | Historically used in very small, cautioned quantities; modern sources advise against oral intake. | Highly Toxic. Contains calcium oxalate crystals; can cause severe oral pain and swelling. | Used medicinally, not as a food. Used in Ayurvedic practice for cognitive benefits. |
| Habitat | Groundcover, often in damp areas. | Houseplant, vine, tropical native. | Aquatic or semi-aquatic plant, native to wet areas. |
| Leaves | Opposite, round, coin-like. | Alternate, heart-shaped, often variegated. | Small, succulent, arranged in pairs on the stem. |
Safe and Nutritious Herb Alternatives
Rather than taking risks with a plant whose edibility is questionable and often confused with toxic species, it is far safer and more beneficial to incorporate well-known, safe, and delicious herbs into your diet. There are numerous ground-covering and low-maintenance edible plants that can be grown or foraged with confidence (after proper identification).
Here are some safe alternatives to consider:
- Thyme: The leaves are excellent for flavoring stews, roasts, and pasta dishes.
- Purslane: A succulent, lemony-flavored plant that can be used fresh in salads.
- Oregano: A flavorful herb for Mediterranean-inspired meals, which can also be used as a groundcover.
- Watercress: A peppery green that can be added to sandwiches and salads.
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety in Your Nutrition Diet
The final word on the question, can you eat moneywort?, is a strong recommendation for caution. While creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) has historical applications in herbalism, a lack of reliable modern evidence for its safety, especially for internal consumption, makes it an unwise choice for a nutritional diet. The very real danger of confusing creeping jenny with a toxic look-alike, such as pothos, poses an unacceptable risk. For those looking to add fresh, wild, or garden herbs to their meals, it is best to stick to verified edible plants with well-documented safety profiles. Your health is not worth the gamble of a mistaken identity.
For further information on the risks of poisonous plants, consult resources like the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, which features information on moneywort as an invasive species.(https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/Moneywort)
How to safely approach foraging
- Positive Identification is Key: Never eat anything you cannot identify with 100% certainty. Use multiple reliable sources.
- Learn from Experts: Attend foraging workshops or consult with seasoned herbalists and botanists.
- Research Locally: Understand what plants are common and which might be toxic in your specific region.
- Avoid Contaminated Areas: Do not forage from roadsides, industrial areas, or lawns treated with pesticides.
- Use Reputable Resources: Cross-reference information with reliable sources, not just internet forums.
FAQs
Question: Is all moneywort toxic to humans? Answer: No, not all plants called moneywort are toxic. However, common houseplant varieties like pothos are toxic, while the groundcover creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is generally considered non-toxic but its safety for oral consumption is not well-documented and cautioned against.
Question: Can you get sick from eating creeping jenny? Answer: While creeping jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is not considered inherently poisonous, the risk of misidentification with other toxic plants is high. Additionally, large or frequent consumption is not recommended due to a lack of safety research.
Question: What is the most dangerous plant commonly mistaken for moneywort? Answer: The most dangerous look-alike is likely the houseplant pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called 'money plant.' It contains toxic calcium oxalate crystals that can cause severe oral irritation and swelling if ingested.
Question: Are the leaves of creeping jenny edible? Answer: Traditionally, the leaves have been used in very small amounts for culinary purposes like salads, but modern dietary advice strongly recommends against it due to insufficient safety data.
Question: What are the symptoms of pothos poisoning? Answer: Ingestion of pothos can cause symptoms including burning and swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.
Question: Why is some information online conflicting about moneywort edibility? Answer: The conflicting information often stems from confusion between different plant species that share the name 'moneywort' or 'money plant'. It can also arise from confusing traditional herbal use with modern dietary standards and safety precautions.
Question: What are some safe, edible groundcover alternatives to moneywort? Answer: Safe and edible groundcover alternatives include thyme, purslane, and oregano. These plants have well-established culinary uses and are not easily confused with toxic varieties.
