Bitter leaf Gymnanthemum amygdalinum
Bitter leaf (Gymnanthemum amygdalinum) is an evergreen perennial vegetable in the Asteraceae family, native to Tropical Africa. It grows 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Bitter leaf in your garden →
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Bitter leaf at a glance
| Type | Perennial vegetable, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 2–5 m (6.6–16 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (washed to remove bitterness; ofe onugbu soup) |
| Native to | Tropical Africa |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Bitter leaf toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Bitter leaf
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Bitter leaf
- How far apart should I plant Bitter leaf?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Bitter leaf need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Bitter leaf need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Bitter leaf?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Bitter leaf flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Bitter leaf poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Bitter leaf?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Bitter leaf. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
- Traditional African vegetables, World Vegetable Center
Notes and assumptions
- Formerly Vernonia amygdalina. Kept as a hedge and picked repeatedly; grows easily from stem cuttings.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
- French tarragon Artemisia dracunculus