Manyseed (Polycarpon): A Tiny Ground Cover with Big Potential
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover that can handle tough conditions, you might want to get acquainted with manyseed (Polycarpon). This humble little plant doesn’t win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in flashy flowers, it makes up for in sheer determination and adaptability.
What Exactly Is Manyseed?
Manyseed is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the forb family – essentially a non-woody plant that stays close to the ground. True to its name, this little survivor can live as an annual, biennial, or perennial depending on conditions, which gives it remarkable flexibility in different climates.
Don’t expect dramatic blooms from manyseed. Its tiny white or greenish flowers are more functional than fancy, and the small, somewhat succulent-like leaves form low mats that hug the ground. It’s definitely a function over form kind of plant.
Where Does Manyseed Grow?
Originally from the Mediterranean region, manyseed has made itself at home in various parts of North America. You can find it growing in Alabama, British Columbia, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas. It’s considered non-native in Canada and Hawaii, while its status in the lower 48 states is less clearly defined.
Should You Plant Manyseed in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Manyseed isn’t native to most areas where it’s found, but it’s also not currently listed as invasive or problematic. This puts it in a gray area that many gardeners face when choosing plants.
Manyseed might appeal to you if:
- You need a tough ground cover for challenging spots
- You’re creating a Mediterranean or drought-tolerant garden
- You want something that requires virtually no maintenance
- You’re looking for a plant that can handle poor, well-draining soils
However, since it’s not native, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Native ground covers like wild strawberry, creeping phlox, or regional sedums can offer similar low-maintenance coverage with added wildlife benefits.
Growing Manyseed Successfully
If you decide to give manyseed a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, though it may survive in slightly cooler areas as an annual.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – it won’t tolerate soggy conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; minimal watering needed
- Soil type: Thrives in poor to average soils
Planting and Care Tips
Manyseed is wonderfully low-maintenance once you get it established. It tends to self-seed readily, so you may find it spreading to fill in gaps naturally. This can be a benefit in rock gardens or areas where you want informal ground cover, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t spread beyond where you want it.
The plant requires very little care – just ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. In fact, neglect often suits manyseed better than too much attention!
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
While manyseed’s tiny flowers may attract some small insects, it’s not going to be a pollinator magnet like native wildflowers. If supporting pollinators is a priority for your garden, you’ll want to incorporate native flowering plants alongside or instead of manyseed.
The Bottom Line
Manyseed is a reliable, no-fuss ground cover that can solve problems in challenging garden spots. While it may not be the most exciting plant in your garden, it gets the job done with minimal fuss. Just remember to balance your plant choices with native options that support local wildlife and ecosystems – your garden (and local pollinators) will thank you for the variety!
