Strict Forget-Me-Not: A Small But Mighty Annual for Your Garden
If you’ve ever spotted tiny blue flowers carpeting disturbed ground in spring, you might have encountered the strict forget-me-not (Myosotis stricta). This diminutive annual has quite the story to tell – and while it may not be a native North American wildflower, it’s certainly made itself at home across the continent.
What Exactly Is Strict Forget-Me-Not?
Strict forget-me-not is a small annual forb that belongs to the forget-me-not family. Unlike its showier garden cousins, this little plant keeps things simple with tiny blue flowers that measure just 2-3 millimeters across. Don’t let the size fool you though – what it lacks in individual flower power, it makes up for in sheer determination and adaptability.
As an annual, this plant completes its entire life cycle in one growing season, but it’s got a clever trick up its sleeve: prolific self-seeding that ensures it returns year after year without any help from you.
Native Status and Where You’ll Find It
Here’s where things get interesting. Strict forget-me-not isn’t actually native to North America – it originally hails from Europe. However, this hardy little immigrant has established itself across an impressive range, reproducing spontaneously in the wild from coast to coast. You can find it thriving in numerous states and provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, California, New York, Oregon, and many others in between.
While it’s considered non-native, strict forget-me-not isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, which puts it in that interesting middle ground of naturalized plants that have found their niche without causing major ecological disruption.
Should You Grow Strict Forget-Me-Not?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your garden. Here are some reasons you might want to consider it:
- Extremely low maintenance – it practically grows itself
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Provides early season nectar for small pollinators
- Perfect for naturalizing disturbed areas
- Adds delicate texture to rock gardens or cottage-style plantings
On the flip side, you might want to pass if you prefer showier flowers or are committed to using only native plants in your landscape. Since this is a non-native species, consider exploring native alternatives like wild lupine, prairie phlox, or native asters that can provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Growing Conditions and Care
One of strict forget-me-not’s greatest strengths is its adaptability. This tough little plant isn’t picky about soil conditions and can handle everything from sandy to clay soils. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and, once established, shows impressive drought tolerance.
The plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8, making it suitable for most North American gardens. It’s particularly happy in areas with cool, moist springs followed by drier summers.
Planting and Care Tips
Growing strict forget-me-not is refreshingly simple:
- Sow seeds directly in fall or early spring
- Barely cover seeds as they need light to germinate
- Water gently until established, then let nature take over
- No fertilizer needed – it actually prefers lean soils
- Allow some plants to go to seed if you want it to return next year
- Thin overcrowded areas if self-seeding becomes too enthusiastic
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While strict forget-me-not may be small, it punches above its weight when it comes to supporting wildlife. The tiny flowers provide nectar for small bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, particularly valuable because they bloom early in the season when few other flowers are available.
The seeds also provide food for small birds, and the low-growing foliage can offer shelter for beneficial ground-dwelling insects.
The Bottom Line
Strict forget-me-not is one of those unassuming plants that quietly does its job without demanding much attention. While it may not be native, it’s not causing ecological harm either, and it fills a useful niche in challenging growing conditions. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance ground cover for poor soils or disturbed areas, it might be worth considering.
However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, there are plenty of native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while better serving local wildlife. The choice, as always, is yours to make based on your garden’s specific needs and your personal gardening philosophy.
