Woodland False Buttonweed: A Modest Ground Cover with Mixed Reviews
Meet woodland false buttonweed, a small herbaceous plant that goes by the simpler name buttonweed and carries the scientific moniker Spermacoce assurgens. This unassuming little plant has quite the identity crisis – it’s native in some places, a newcomer in others, and seems to have made itself at home wherever it lands.
What Exactly Is Woodland False Buttonweed?
Woodland false buttonweed is what botanists call a forb – essentially a non-woody plant that stays relatively low to the ground. Think of it as nature’s carpet option, but one that produces tiny clusters of white flowers. It can behave as either an annual or perennial, depending on growing conditions and climate, which adds to its adaptable personality.
You might also encounter this plant listed under several synonyms in older gardening references, including Borreria laevis, Spermacoce remota, or Spermacoce suffrutescens. Don’t let the name changes fool you – it’s the same modest little ground hugger.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where things get interesting. Woodland false buttonweed is truly native to the southeastern United States – specifically Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It’s also naturally found in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, this adaptable plant has established itself in Hawaii, Guam, Palau, and other Pacific islands, where it arrived as an introduced species but now reproduces happily on its own.
Should You Plant It in Your Garden?
The answer depends on where you live and what you’re trying to achieve. If you’re gardening in its native range in the Southeast, woodland false buttonweed can serve as a low-maintenance ground cover option. However, if you’re outside its native range, you might want to consider native alternatives that will better support local wildlife and ecosystems.
Growing Conditions and Care
One thing you can say about woodland false buttonweed – it’s not particularly fussy. Here’s what it prefers:
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soils; it’s quite drought tolerant once established
- Climate: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11
- Water: Low to moderate water needs
In most regions, woodland false buttonweed strongly prefers upland conditions and almost never occurs in wetlands. However, in Hawaii, it’s more flexible and can handle both wet and dry conditions.
What to Expect
Don’t expect this plant to steal the show. Woodland false buttonweed produces small, clustered white flowers that, while not particularly showy, do attract small pollinators like bees and flies. It’s the kind of plant that blends into the landscape rather than commanding attention – perfect if you want something that fills space without drama.
The plant tends to stay relatively low and can spread to form patches over time. Its self-seeding nature means you might find new plants popping up in unexpected places, which could be either delightful or mildly annoying, depending on your gardening philosophy.
The Bottom Line
Woodland false buttonweed is like that reliable friend who shows up when invited and doesn’t cause any trouble. It’s low-maintenance, adaptable, and fills its niche quietly. If you’re in its native range and looking for an easy-care ground cover, it might fit the bill. If you’re outside its native range, consider exploring native alternatives that will provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife.
Remember, the best gardens work with nature rather than against it, so choosing plants that naturally belong in your area is always a winning strategy for both you and the local ecosystem.
