Broadleaf False Buttonweed
Spermacoce ovalifolia
Also known as: Spermacoce ernstii
- Native to:
- Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Palau, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is.
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rubiaceae
- Genus:
- Spermacoce
- Species:
- Spermacoce ovalifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- SPOV3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Found in fire-maintained pine flatwoods and savannas; resprouts following fire.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open, sunny areas with poor soil