Description
It is an annual or short-lived perennial plant (herb), growing to 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall, irregularly branched, with oblong-lanceolate leaves up to 12 cm (4.7 in) long.
The essential oil in the seed and flowering plant is highly toxic. In excess it can cause dizziness, vomiting, convulsions and even death. The plant can also cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions. The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible.
Plant Specifications
*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%
Common Name |
Dysphania ambrosioides, formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides, known as wormseed, Jesuits tea, Mexican-tea, payqu (paico), epazote, or herba sancti Marie, |
Maximum Reachable Height |
1.2 m (3.9 ft) |
Flower Colour |
yellow |
Bloom Time |
mid-summer |
Difficulty Level |
easy to grow |
Planting and care
Place plants in full sun in average, well-drained soil. Drainage is important; don t place where roots will sit in water. Leaves develop best flavor in full sun.
Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum care
Growing plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Seeds of plants flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed.
Sunlight |
Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Watering |
Medium |
Soil |
well-drained soil |
Temperature |
25 degrees to 30 degrees C. |
Fertilizer |
Apply any organic fertilizer |
Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum special feature
Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process.
Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid
- People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition