Dysphania ambrosioides
TAXONOMY
FamilyAmaranthaceae
GenusDysphania
Zone8
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as Epazote, is a perennial herb native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and is known for its strong, pungent aroma. The plant is often used in traditional medicine and cooking, particularly in Mexican cuisine. It thrives in temperate climates and can grow up to 1.2 meters tall.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Epazote
Jerusalem-Tea
Spanish-Tea
Ambrina ambrosioides
Ambrina ambrosioides var. anthelmintica
Ambrina anthelmintica
Ambrina incisa
Ambrina parvula
Ambrina spathulata
Atriplex ambrosioides
Atriplex ambrosioides f. minus
Atriplex anthelmintica
Blitum ambrosioides
Botrys ambrosioides
Botrys anthelmintica
Chenopodium album subsp. ambrosioides
Chenopodium amboanum
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. angustifolium
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. dentatum
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. integrifolium
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. minus
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. pinnatifidum
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. rotundatum
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. spathulatum
Chenopodium ambrosioides f. suffruticosum
Chenopodium ambrosioides subsp. suffruticosum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. angustifolium
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. anthelminticum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. comosum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. costei
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. dentatum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. integrifolium
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. obovata
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. obovatum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. pinnatifidum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. pubescens
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. querciforme
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. suffruticosum
Chenopodium ambrosioides var. vagans
Chenopodium angustifolium
Chenopodium anthelminticum
Chenopodium anthelminticum var. glabratum
Chenopodium anthelminticum var. hastatum
Chenopodium anthelminticum var. subhirsutum
Chenopodium citriodorum
Chenopodium cuneifolium
Chenopodium integrifolium
Chenopodium integrifolium subsp. ramosissimum
Chenopodium opulifolium subsp. amboanum
Chenopodium querciforme
Chenopodium querciforme var. minus
Chenopodium sancta-maria
Chenopodium santamaria
Chenopodium spathulatum
Chenopodium spathulatum var. angustifolium
Chenopodium spathulatum var. platyphyllum
Chenopodium suffruticosum
Chenopodium suffruticosum subsp. remotum
Chenopodium vagans
Chenopodium variegatum
Dysphania anthelmintica
Mexican tea
Orthosporum ambrosioides
Orthosporum suffruticosum
Roubieva anthelmintica
Teloxys ambrosioides
Vulvaria ambrosioides
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity50%
GDD1,350
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Epazote requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It prefers moderate temperatures and can tolerate a range of humidity levels. Water the plant when the soil is almost completely dry, but avoid waterlogging. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth.Harvest
Dysphania ambrosioides, commonly known as epazote, is typically harvested when the plant reaches maturity, which is around 90 days from seeding. Harvesting is best done in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day. The leaves and tender stems are the primary parts used and should be cut with sharp scissors or pruning shears. Regular harvesting of the leaves can encourage bushier growth and more abundant foliage. It is important to handle the plant gently to avoid bruising the leaves, which can affect their flavor and aroma.Soil
Epazote prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Good drainage is essential for the plant's health.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and development.Repotting
Repot Epazote every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in the spring.Propagation
Epazote can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Sow seeds in well-draining soil in the spring or take cuttings from healthy plants and root them in water or soil. Ensure the cuttings are kept in a warm, bright location.Pruning
Prune Epazote regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems. Pruning is best done in the spring and summer.Toxicity
Epazote is toxic to pets and humans if ingested in large quantities. The leaves and seeds contain compounds that can cause nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Handle the plant with care and keep it out of reach of children and pets.Additional
Epazote has been used traditionally for its medicinal properties, including as a remedy for digestive issues and parasites. However, it should be used with caution due to its toxicity. The plant's strong aroma can also act as a natural insect repellent.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
