Sessile Joyweed

Alternanthera sessilis

Native to:
Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bolivia, Borneo, Brazil, Cambodia, Cayman Is., China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Jawa, Laccadive Is., Laos, Lebanon-Syria, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Mexico, Myanmar, Nansei-shoto, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicaragua, Nicobar Is., Ogasawara-shoto, Pakistan, Palau, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Is., Sulawesi, Sumatera, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Transcaucasus, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands, Windward Is., Yemen

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Amaranthaceae
Genus:
Alternanthera
Species:
Alternanthera sessilis
USDA Symbol:
ALSE4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun,Part Shade
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

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