Washerwoman
Alternanthera caracasana
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Alternanthera
- Species:
- Alternanthera caracasana
- USDA Symbol:
- ALCA5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- minimal
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in its native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm temperatures above 20°C with light. Can also propagate easily from stem cuttings.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI