Poorman’s Weatherglass: A Charming Little Blue Wildflower
If you’ve ever wondered about those tiny blue flowers popping up in disturbed soils and garden edges, you might be looking at poorman’s weatherglass (Anagallis arvensis foemina). This diminutive annual has been quietly making itself at home across North America, bringing a splash of delicate blue to unexpected places.
What Is Poorman’s Weatherglass?
Poorman’s weatherglass is a small forb – essentially an herbaceous flowering plant without woody stems. As an annual or sometimes biennial plant, it completes its entire life cycle within one or two growing seasons. The plant gets its charming common name from the old belief that its flowers could predict weather changes, closing up before rain arrives.
This species is also known by several scientific synonyms, including Anagallis caerulea and Anagallis foemina, which you might encounter in older gardening references or botanical texts.
Native Status and Distribution
While poorman’s weatherglass is native to Canada, it’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized throughout much of the United States. The plant has established populations and reproduces on its own in California, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
Why Consider (or Not Consider) Growing It
Since this isn’t a native species to most of the US, you might want to consider native alternatives first. However, if you’re drawn to this little charmer, here’s what it offers:
The Appeal:
- Delicate blue flowers that add subtle color to garden spaces
- Low-maintenance annual that often self-sows
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Attracts small pollinators like tiny bees and flies
- Perfect for naturalized or cottage garden settings
Potential Drawbacks:
- Not native to most US regions
- Very small flowers may not provide significant visual impact
- Can self-sow prolifically if conditions are right
Garden Role and Design Uses
Poorman’s weatherglass works best in informal garden settings where its modest size and casual growth habit can shine. Consider it for:
- Rock gardens and alpine settings
- Wildflower meadows and naturalized areas
- Cottage garden borders
- Filling gaps between stepping stones
- Areas with poor or disturbed soil
Growing Conditions and Care
One of the best things about poorman’s weatherglass is how undemanding it is. This tough little plant actually prefers:
- Sun exposure: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-drained, even poor or sandy soils
- Water: Minimal watering once established; drought tolerant
- USDA Zones: 3-10 (as an annual)
Planting and Care Tips
Growing poorman’s weatherglass is refreshingly straightforward:
- Sow seeds directly in spring after frost danger passes
- Scatter seeds on prepared soil surface – they need light to germinate
- Keep soil lightly moist until seedlings establish
- Thin seedlings if they become overcrowded
- Deadhead spent flowers to prevent excessive self-seeding
- Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want plants to return next year
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the idea of small blue wildflowers but prefer native options, consider these alternatives depending on your region:
- Bird’s-eye speedwell (Veronica persica) – though this is also non-native
- Small bluets (Houstonia pusilla)
- Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium species)
- Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis) for larger blue flowers
The Bottom Line
Poorman’s weatherglass is a charming little plant that won’t cause major problems in most gardens, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for native plant enthusiasts. If you decide to grow it, you’ll be rewarded with delicate blue blooms and virtually no maintenance requirements. Just keep an eye on its self-seeding tendencies, and consider exploring native alternatives that might offer similar charm while supporting local ecosystems.
Whether you choose this humble weatherglass or opt for a native alternative, the most important thing is creating a garden space that brings you joy while being mindful of your local environment.
