Tropical Whiteweed
Ageratum conyzoides
- Native to:
- Guam, Mexico, Palau, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands
Minghong
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Ageratum
- Species:
- Ageratum conyzoides
- USDA Symbol:
- AGCO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), dwarf tawny wave (Cyclophora nanaria), Tobacco budworm (Heliothis virescens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers organic matter-rich soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Light-dependent germination; seeds should be surface-sown or barely covered. Germinates readily at warm temperatures (20-25°C).
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI