Rubiaceae
Woodland False Buttonweed: Ground Cover Plant
Spermacoce remota
A hardy and vigorously growing plant typical of open and disturbed areas, making it easy to cultivate. It adapts well to full sun or partial shade and tolerates both drier and humid climates, but it does not like waterlogged soil—good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Every 7-10 days
Partial shade
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Woodland False Buttonweed?
Woodland False Buttonweed (Spermacoce remota) is a easy-care plant from the Rubiaceae family. Spermacoce remota is a perennial (or short-lived) herb or subshrub with erect or decumbent stems, reaching about 70 cm in height, featuring slightly purplish stems and lanceolate to elliptical leaves up to 5-7 cm long. Its flowers are small, white with a slight pinkish tint, clustered in dense glome...
Woodland False Buttonweed grows up to 70cm. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Woodland False Buttonweed tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Woodland False Buttonweed is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Woodland False Buttonweed?
TLDR: Woodland False Buttonweed needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Woodland False Buttonweed?
Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings; avoid waterlogging, as excess water is the primary cause of root problems in this species.
How Much Light Does Woodland False Buttonweed Need?
Grows well in both full sun and partial shade, a condition consistent with its habit of colonizing both forest clearings and sunny roadsides.
What Is the Best Soil for Woodland False Buttonweed?
Prefers well-drained soils, even tolerating sandy and nutrient-poor soils; avoid substrates that retain excessive water.
What Pot Should You Use for Woodland False Buttonweed?
Use pots with good drainage and large holes at the bottom, as the species is sensitive to waterlogged soil and prefers to dry out slightly between waterings.
What Is Woodland False Buttonweed and Where Does It Come From?
Spermacoce remota is a perennial (or short-lived) herb or subshrub with erect or decumbent stems, reaching about 70 cm in height, featuring slightly purplish stems and lanceolate to elliptical leaves up to 5-7 cm long. Its flowers are small, white with a slight pinkish tint, clustered in dense glomerules at the branch tips and leaf axils. It is native to tropical and subtropical Americas (southeastern USA, Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America) and is now naturalized in tropical regions of Asia, Pacific islands, the Indian Ocean, and the Galápagos, easily colonizing gardens, lawns, roadsides, and disturbed soil areas. It is an important plant for local fauna, serving as an egg-laying site for butterflies such as the Banded Peacock (Anartia fatima).
How to Propagate Woodland False Buttonweed?
Seed propagation
A species that easily self-seeds in disturbed areas; germinates quickly in warm and humid conditions.
- 1 Collect seeds from mature fruits (ellipsoid capsules of 2-4 mm)
- 2 Sow in a light, well-drained substrate, covering lightly with a thin layer of soil
- 3 Keep the substrate moist but not waterlogged until germination
- 4 Transplant seedlings once they have a few true leaves
Materials needed:
Stem cuttings
A common method for other species in the Spermacoce genus; while not specifically confirmed for S. remota, use this as a reference.
- 1 Cut a healthy 8-10 cm stem with several leaves
- 2 Remove the lower leaves and insert the cutting into a moist, well-drained substrate
- 3 Keep in a location with indirect light and constant humidity until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Woodland False Buttonweed Grow?
TLDR: Woodland False Buttonweed can reach up to 70cm tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
70cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Medicinal Uses
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial and antifungal (topical use for wounds and skin conditions)
- Treatment of digestive issues such as indigestion and diarrhea
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Woodland False Buttonweed?
TLDR: Woodland False Buttonweed is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
