Skip to main content

Giant-Forget-Me-Not

Cynoglossum virginianum

Last reviewed: July 2026

Giant-Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum virginianum)
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Wild comfrey is a native woodland perennial with soft, hairy leaves and small white to pale blue flowers that bloom in spring. This shade-loving plant forms modest clumps and naturally goes dormant in summer heat, making it well-suited for naturalized areas under trees.

In an HOA neighborhood

Giant-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.

  • Goes completely dormant by midsummer leaving bare spots
  • Hairy leaves and informal growth habit appear weedy
  • Short bloom period followed by long dormancy

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract native bees, beetles, and flies during an important early-season nectar period. The plant also serves as a host for some butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Giant-Forget-Me-Not need?
Giant-Forget-Me-Not grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Giant-Forget-Me-Not bloom?
Giant-Forget-Me-Not blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Giant-Forget-Me-Not native?
Giant-Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum virginianum) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Giant-Forget-Me-Not attract?
Giant-Forget-Me-Not draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Giant-Forget-Me-Not HOA-friendly?
Giant-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.

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.

Ready to grow Giant-Forget-Me-Not? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz