Rice paddy herb (ngò om) Limnophila aromatica
Rice paddy herb (ngò om) (Limnophila aromatica) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Plantaginaceae family, native to South-east Asia to northern Australia. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
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Rice paddy herb (ngò om) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: shoots (sour soups, canh chua) |
| Native to | South-east Asia to northern Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
Is Rice paddy herb (ngò om) 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 Rice paddy herb (ngò om)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Questions about Rice paddy herb (ngò om)
- How far apart should I plant Rice paddy herb (ngò om)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Rice paddy herb (ngò om) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rice paddy herb (ngò om) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Rice paddy herb (ngò om)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Rice paddy herb (ngò om) flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Rice paddy herb (ngò om) 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 Rice paddy herb (ngò om)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rice paddy herb (ngò om). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- PROSEA: Plant Resources of South-East Asia, PROSEA Foundation, Bogor
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Grows in rice paddies and shallow water; cumin-citrus scent. Grow in a pot standing in water.
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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