Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is an annual herb in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Central and South America. It grows 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Epazote at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, young shoots |
| Native to | Central and South America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
| Invasive in | US (naturalised weed, several states): check local rules before planting |
Is Epazote toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, essential oil, leaves
Ascaridole in the oil is toxic in quantity; small leaf amounts are used in cooking but oil and seeds should not be eaten.
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 Epazote
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Epazote
- How far apart should I plant Epazote?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Epazote need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Epazote need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Epazote?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Epazote flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 6–13 weeks.
- Is Epazote poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Ascaridole in the oil is toxic in quantity; small leaf amounts are used in cooking but oil and seeds should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Epazote?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Epazote. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Short-lived perennial in frost-free areas, grown as an annual elsewhere. Self-seeds heavily; deadhead to prevent weediness. Pet values estimated from the oil toxicity.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea
- Globe amaranth Gomphrena globosa