Bugseed: An Unassuming Annual You Might Already Have
If you’ve ever noticed a small, scrappy plant with narrow leaves popping up in sandy or disturbed areas of your garden, you might have encountered bugseed (Corispermum hyssopifolium). This humble annual forb isn’t exactly what you’d call a showstopper, but it’s worth understanding what it is and whether it deserves a place in your landscape.
What Exactly is Bugseed?
Bugseed is a non-native annual plant that originally hails from Eurasia but has made itself at home in parts of North America. As a forb, it’s an herbaceous plant without any woody growth – think of it as nature’s version of a seasonal volunteer that shows up, does its thing, and disappears by winter.
The plant gets its quirky common name from its small, somewhat oval seeds that might remind you of tiny bugs if you squint just right. While it might not win any beauty contests, this little plant has managed to establish itself in scattered locations across the United States.
Where You’ll Find Bugseed
Currently, bugseed has been documented growing in Colorado and New York, though it may appear in other areas as well. It’s one of those plants that tends to show up in disturbed soils and areas where other vegetation struggles to establish.
What Does Bugseed Look Like?
Don’t expect any dramatic garden presence from this one. Bugseed is decidedly understated, with narrow, linear leaves that give it an almost grass-like appearance from a distance. The flowers are tiny and greenish – so small you might miss them entirely. This is a plant that relies on wind for pollination, so it doesn’t need to dress up to attract pollinators.
Growing Conditions and Habitat
Bugseed is classified as Facultative Upland across multiple regions, meaning it typically prefers drier, non-wetland conditions but can occasionally tolerate some moisture. It’s the kind of plant that thrives in:
- Sandy, well-draining soils
- Disturbed or poor-quality ground
- Areas with minimal competition from other plants
- Full sun locations
Should You Plant Bugseed in Your Garden?
Here’s the honest truth: most gardeners don’t intentionally plant bugseed, and there are good reasons for that. While it’s not currently listed as invasive or harmful, it doesn’t offer much in terms of ornamental value, wildlife benefits, or ecological function in most garden settings.
If you’re looking to support native ecosystems and wildlife, you’ll want to consider native alternatives that provide similar growing characteristics but offer more benefits to local pollinators and wildlife.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of bugseed, consider these native options that can handle similar growing conditions:
- Native bunch grasses suited to your region
- Local wildflowers that thrive in sandy soils
- Regional native forbs that support pollinators
- Indigenous plants adapted to disturbed site restoration
If Bugseed Shows Up on Its Own
Since bugseed is an annual, any plants that appear will complete their lifecycle within one growing season. If you find it growing in your garden and it’s not causing problems, you can simply let it be – it won’t persist without reseeding. However, if you prefer a tidier landscape or want to encourage native species, it’s easy enough to remove by hand-pulling before it sets seed.
The Bottom Line
Bugseed might not be the most exciting plant in the world, but it’s a reminder of how resilient and adaptable plant life can be. While it’s not necessarily a plant you’d choose for your dream garden, understanding what it is helps you make informed decisions about your landscape. When in doubt, focus on native species that will provide lasting benefits to both your garden and local ecosystem.
