Khakiweed
Alternanthera pungens
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Alternanthera
- Species:
- Alternanthera pungens
- USDA Symbol:
- ALPU3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 50 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- commonly found in disturbed areas and roadsides
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions. Plant also spreads vegetatively from stem nodes rooting at nodes.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI