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Corn Gromwell

Buglossoides arvensis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Corn Gromwell (Buglossoides arvensis)
Photo: (c) tylototriton, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Corn Gromwell (Buglossoides arvensis) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Corn Gromwell

Corn Gromwell 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.

Before you buy

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Wondering what could grow where Corn Gromwell is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

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Corn gromwell is a low-growing annual wildflower with small white or pale blue flowers that bloom from spring through early fall. This compact plant forms neat mounds 6-18 inches tall and provides consistent color throughout the growing season. It thrives in partial shade with moderate water needs.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Corn Gromwell 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.

  • Has weedy, unkempt appearance
  • Annual habit creates gaps when plants die
  • Typically considered agricultural weed

Wildlife value

The extended bloom period from April through September provides nectar for bees and beetles throughout most of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Corn Gromwell need?
Corn Gromwell grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Corn Gromwell bloom?
Corn Gromwell blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.
What pollinators does Corn Gromwell attract?
Corn Gromwell draws bees and beetles.
Is Corn Gromwell HOA-friendly?
Corn Gromwell 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Corn Gromwell? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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