Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) Houttuynia cordata
Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) (Houttuynia cordata) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Saururaceae family, native to Eastern Asia, from the Himalaya to Japan and South-east Asia. It grows 15–40 cm (6–16 in) tall and 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about -26 °C (-15 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Saururaceae |
| Mature height | 15–40 cm (6–16 in) |
| Mature spread | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -26 °C (-15 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 5) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: leaves and shoots (Vietnamese herb plates), rhizomes (south-west China) |
| Native to | Eastern Asia, from the Himalaya to Japan and South-east Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Eaten widely as a herb; contains small amounts of aristolactams, so eat in culinary amounts only.
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 Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
Questions about Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá)
- How far apart should I plant Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft).
- Does Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá)?
- It tolerates about -26 °C (-15 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 5.
- When does Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá) 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. Eaten widely as a herb; contains small amounts of aristolactams, so eat in culinary amounts only.
- What grows well with Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fish mint (dokudami, rau diếp cá). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
Notes and assumptions
- Heart-shaped leaves with a fishy, coriander-like smell and four white bracts around a cone of tiny flowers; ‘Chameleon’ is splashed red and cream. Runs fast in wet soil, so contain it.
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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