How much sun does Rustweed need?

Rustweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Rustweed bloom?

Rustweed blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Rustweed native?

Rustweed (Polypremum procumbens) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Rustweed attract?

Rustweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Rustweed HOA-friendly?

Rustweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Rustweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polypremum procumbens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 437 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

Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

Polypremum procumbens is a low-growing evergreen perennial that forms small mats close to the ground. This native plant produces tiny white flowers from late spring through summer and maintains its foliage year-round. It thrives in sunny, dry conditions and requires minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rustweed 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 small size and informal growth habit may appear weedy
Common name 'rustweed' has negative connotations
Low profile may be mistaken for lawn weeds or volunteer plants

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract native bees and beetles during the long blooming season from May through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Rustweed need?: Rustweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Rustweed bloom?: Rustweed blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Rustweed native?: Rustweed (Polypremum procumbens) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 13 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Rustweed attract?: Rustweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Rustweed HOA-friendly?: Rustweed 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

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