American Bugseed
Corispermum americanum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–24" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, AZ, CA, CO and 24 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American bugseed is a low-growing annual native that forms small clumps with narrow, linear leaves. It produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers from summer into fall and has a rather sparse, weedy appearance throughout its growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Bugseed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very weedy appearance that resembles unwanted volunteer plants
- Sparse growth habit looks unkempt in formal settings
- Annual nature means gaps and bare spots seasonally
Wildlife value
This plant provides seeds for small birds and some native insects, though it's not considered a major pollinator plant due to its wind-pollinated flowers.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Bugseed fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.