Dysphania ambrosioides, Chenopodium ambrosioides

This small aromatic shrub, also known as Mexican Tea, is native to Central and South America. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family, and is a relative of the common weeds, lambs quarters and pigweed. The shrub grows to a height of 2-5 ft and has a hairy yellowish stem. The green leaves are oval and heart-shaped and have a distinctively pungent scent. It produces abundant small white flowers in summer and then tiny seeds, which are an important ethnomedical plant and spice.

Dysphania ambrosioides thrives in full sun and semi-shade. It requires regular water and moderate soil moisture. In hotter climates, it can appreciably benefit from a good mulch of organic material. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9-11 and it is possible to grow it in colder regions if it is planted in a pot and kept in a well-protected and warm position.

Even though this plant has many uses, it is wise to only use leaves sparingly for cooking due to its toxic properties. This plant has many traditional folklore uses, including as a medicinal plant, spice, and herbal tea. Growing a pot of Dysphania ambrosioides will not only add a fragrant scent to a garden but also provide a unique cultural background to your garden.