Overview
Dysphania spp. is a genus of about 40 aromatic annual and short-lived perennial herbs in the family Amaranthaceae, most diverse in the tropical and subtropical Americas, with additional species in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. The genus was split from Chenopodium spp. on the basis of its glandular, strongly scented foliage. Plants grow upright, branching stems 1-4 feet (30-120 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide, with toothed or lobed leaves dotted with resin glands that release a pungent, camphor-like or citrus scent when crushed. Tiny greenish flowers lack petals and are clustered in slender branched panicles from summer into autumn, ripening to large quantities of small seed. The species D. ambrosioides, epazote, is used as a culinary herb and traditional vermifuge in Mexico and Central America. Its foliage and seed contain the essential oil ascaridole, which is toxic in concentrated doses and acts as an abortifacient, so leaves are used only in small culinary amounts. Several species behave as weeds of cultivated and disturbed ground, spreading rapidly from prolific seed.
Native Range
Native mainly to the tropical and subtropical Americas, with centers of diversity in Mexico and South America; other species occur in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. Several have naturalized worldwide as weeds.Suggested Uses
Grown in herb gardens and vegetable plots, where D. ambrosioides flavors bean dishes, soups, and stews in Mexican cooking. The aromatic foliage is also dried for traditional remedies. Container culture keeps the vigorous self-sowers in check.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 4'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Flowers from July to September in narrow greenish panicles. The flowers are wind- and insect-pollinated and inconspicuous, lasting several weeks. Abundant seed ripens from late summer into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun on light, well-drained soil with a pH near 5.5-7.5 and tolerates poor, dry ground. Water needs are low once plants are established, though steady moisture produces larger, more tender culinary leaves. Sow seed after the last frost when the soil has warmed, or start indoors about 4 weeks earlier. Plants self-sow readily and can become weedy if seed heads are left to mature. No supplemental feeding is needed on average soils. Aromatic foliage is generally left untouched by deer and rabbits.Pruning
Pinching the growing tips produces bushier plants and a longer supply of young leaves. Flowering stems are removed before seed sets to limit self-sowing. Whole plants are pulled at the end of the season once they yellow and decline.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons