Pápalo (papaloquelite) Porophyllum ruderale
Pápalo (papaloquelite) (Porophyllum ruderale) is an annual herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Texas and Mexico to Argentina. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Pápalo (papaloquelite) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 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 | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves |
| Native to | Texas and Mexico to Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Pápalo (papaloquelite) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; eaten raw as a herb.
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 Pápalo (papaloquelite)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Pápalo (papaloquelite)
- How far apart should I plant Pápalo (papaloquelite)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Pápalo (papaloquelite) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pápalo (papaloquelite) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pápalo (papaloquelite)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Pápalo (papaloquelite) flower?
- About 10–14 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Pápalo (papaloquelite) 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. Not poisonous; eaten raw as a herb.
- What grows well with Pápalo (papaloquelite)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pápalo (papaloquelite). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Blue-green round leaves with oil glands and a sharp cilantro-and-rue smell; eaten raw on cemitas and tacos in Puebla. Grows easily in heat where coriander bolts.
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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