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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Giant-Forget-Me-Not

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cynoglossum virginianum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Giant-Forget-Me-Not (Cynoglossum virginianum) 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

8"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northeastern Highlands Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Giant-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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