Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Amaranthaceae

Genus:

Alternanthera

Species:

Alternanthera sessilis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual | Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Medium

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

white

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, Palau, South Carolina, Texas, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Common in wetlands and marshy areas