Buglossoides: A Small but Mighty Ground Cover for Your Garden
If you’ve stumbled across the name buglossoides and wondered what exactly this plant is, you’re not alone! This lesser-known genus might not be the star of your local garden center, but it has some interesting qualities that make it worth considering for certain garden situations.
What is Buglossoides?
Buglossoides is a genus of annual flowering plants that produces small, delicate blooms. Don’t let the somewhat intimidating scientific name fool you – these are actually quite charming little plants that can add subtle beauty to your garden landscape.
Where Does Buglossoides Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting from a native gardening perspective. Buglossoides is not native to North America – it originally hails from Europe and Asia. However, it has become naturalized across an impressive range of the continent, establishing itself in states from Alabama to Wyoming, and Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Quebec.
While it’s been introduced and now reproduces on its own in the wild, it’s not currently classified as invasive in most areas. Still, as native plant enthusiasts, it’s worth considering native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Should You Plant Buglossoides?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your garden. Here are some considerations:
Reasons You Might Want to Grow It:
- Low maintenance once established
- Adaptable to various growing conditions
- Provides ground cover in informal garden areas
- Attracts small pollinators with its tiny flowers
- Annual nature means it won’t become permanently established if you change your mind
Reasons You Might Skip It:
- It’s not native, so it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants
- Limited ornamental impact compared to showier garden plants
- May self-seed more than desired in some garden situations
Native Alternatives to Consider
Before committing to buglossoides, consider these native options that can provide similar ground cover benefits while supporting local wildlife:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for shaded areas
- Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) for sunny slopes
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) for edible ground cover
- Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) for woodland settings
How to Grow Buglossoides Successfully
If you decide to give buglossoides a try, here’s what you need to know:
Growing Conditions:
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained conditions
- Light: Can tolerate both sun and partial shade
- Water: Moderate water needs; drought tolerant once established
- USDA Zones: Generally hardy in zones 3-9
Planting and Care Tips:
- Sow seeds directly in garden in early spring
- Lightly cover seeds with soil as they need some darkness to germinate
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination period
- Once established, minimal care is needed
- May self-seed for future seasons
The Bottom Line
Buglossoides can be a useful addition to informal garden areas where you want low-maintenance ground cover. While it’s not native and won’t provide the same ecological benefits as indigenous plants, it’s also not considered problematic in most areas. If you’re committed to native gardening, there are plenty of wonderful native alternatives that can serve similar purposes while supporting local wildlife and ecosystems.
Whatever you choose, remember that the best garden is one that brings you joy while being mindful of the broader environmental impact. Happy gardening!
