Morison’s Spurry: A Delicate European Annual for Your Garden
Meet Morison’s spurry (Spergula morisonii), a charming little annual that’s been quietly making itself at home in parts of the northeastern United States. This delicate European native might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but it has its own understated appeal that’s worth considering.
What Exactly Is Morison’s Spurry?
Morison’s spurry is a small annual forb – that’s garden-speak for a soft-stemmed herbaceous plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Think of it as nature’s way of creating a living carpet of tiny white flowers and narrow, almost thread-like leaves. It’s part of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), though you’d be forgiven for not seeing the family resemblance at first glance.
Where You’ll Find It Growing Wild
This little plant has established itself across several northeastern states, including Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. While it’s not native to North America – it originally hails from Europe – it has naturalized in these areas and reproduces on its own without any human intervention.
Should You Grow Morison’s Spurry?
Here’s the thing about Morison’s spurry: it’s not going to be the star of your garden show. But sometimes, you need a reliable supporting actor. This plant excels in situations where other plants might struggle:
- Sandy or poor soils where more demanding plants won’t thrive
- Areas that need quick coverage (remember, it self-seeds readily)
- Naturalized garden sections where you want a wild look
- Spaces between stepping stones or in gravel gardens
That said, since it’s not native to North America, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems. Plants like wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) or small-flowered buttercup (Ranunculus abortivus) can offer similar ground-covering qualities with better wildlife value.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of Morison’s spurry lies in its simplicity. This isn’t a plant that demands perfect conditions or constant attention:
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained, sandy soils but tolerates poor conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: Likely suitable for USDA zones 4-8
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Growing Morison’s spurry is refreshingly straightforward. As an annual, you can direct sow seeds in early spring or fall. The plant typically reaches only a few inches in height and spreads modestly, creating a delicate mat of growth.
Maintenance is minimal – in fact, the less you fuss with it, the better it seems to do. It’s naturally adapted to lean soils, so avoid over-fertilizing, which can make it leggy and reduce flowering.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While Morison’s spurry won’t attract clouds of butterflies, its small white flowers do provide nectar for tiny pollinators like small bees and flies. The seeds may also provide food for ground-foraging birds, though this benefit would be greater with native alternatives.
The Bottom Line
Morison’s spurry is one of those nice enough plants – it won’t cause problems, but it won’t solve them either. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance annual for poor soils and don’t mind its European origins, it can fill a niche in naturalized areas. However, for maximum ecological benefit, consider native alternatives that offer similar growing characteristics while better supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
Sometimes the most interesting plants are the quiet ones that don’t demand attention – and Morison’s spurry certainly fits that description.
