Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Amaranthaceae

Genus:

Alternanthera

Species:

Alternanthera philoxeroides

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

3-4 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

white

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, waterlogged, organic soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

thrives in wetland areas and water edges