How much sun does Bur-forget-me-not need?

Bur-forget-me-not grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Bur-forget-me-not bloom?

Bur-forget-me-not blooms in May, June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Bur-forget-me-not attract?

Bur-forget-me-not draws bees and beetles.

Is Bur-forget-me-not HOA-friendly?

Bur-forget-me-not takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Bur-forget-me-not

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lappula squarrosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bur-forget-me-not (Lappula squarrosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Bur-forget-me-not

Bur-forget-me-not is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Bur-forget-me-not is a small annual wildflower that produces tiny blue flowers from late spring through summer. The plant gets its name from the small, spiny burs that develop after flowering, which can stick to clothing and animal fur.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bur-forget-me-not 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.

Produces burr-like seeds that stick to clothing and pets
Often considered a weedy species
Irregular growth habit looks unkempt in formal settings

Wildlife value

This wildflower provides nectar for bees and beetles during its extended blooming period from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Bur-forget-me-not need?: Bur-forget-me-not grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Bur-forget-me-not bloom?: Bur-forget-me-not blooms in May, June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Bur-forget-me-not attract?: Bur-forget-me-not draws bees and beetles.
Is Bur-forget-me-not HOA-friendly?: Bur-forget-me-not takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Bur-forget-me-not? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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