How much sun does Smooth Buttonweed need?

Smooth Buttonweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Smooth Buttonweed bloom?

Smooth Buttonweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Smooth Buttonweed native?

Smooth Buttonweed (Spermacoce glabra) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Smooth Buttonweed attract?

Smooth Buttonweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Smooth Buttonweed HOA-friendly?

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

Smooth Buttonweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Spermacoce glabra

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Smooth Buttonweed (Spermacoce glabra) 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

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 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 445 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

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Southeastern Plains Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Smooth buttonweed is a low-growing native perennial that forms neat mounds of small, smooth leaves. It produces tiny white flowers clustered in button-like heads from summer through early fall. This plant thrives in full sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Smooth Buttonweed 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.

Common name includes 'weed' which creates negative perception
Low growth habit may appear unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
Small flowers lack visual impact for formal settings

Wildlife value

The small white flowers attract bees and beneficial beetles throughout the long blooming season. Its compact growth provides shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Smooth Buttonweed need?: Smooth Buttonweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Smooth Buttonweed bloom?: Smooth Buttonweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Smooth Buttonweed native?: Smooth Buttonweed (Spermacoce glabra) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Smooth Buttonweed attract?: Smooth Buttonweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Smooth Buttonweed HOA-friendly?: Smooth Buttonweed 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.

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

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