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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 5354edible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 15 Oct 2026methodology → read

West Indin Chickweed

Drymaria cordata
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Drymaria cordata (West Indin Chickweed) — botanical photograph
Pl. 5354 — Drymaria cordata
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Overview

West Indian Chickweed, scientifically known as Drymaria cordata, is a hardy forb or herb that thrives in various climates across Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia, it has also spread to countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia. This plant prefers moist conditions with light to medium soil types and can grow up to 0.6 meters tall. Known for its edible leaves, West Indian Chickweed is a valuable addition to gardens or landscapes where it can be found in full sun to partial shade. Its adaptability makes it a versatile choice for both ornamental and culinary purposes. The leaves, which can be eaten raw or cooked, are often used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. The plant is also sometimes steamed or boiled as a vegetable. While primarily used for its edible parts, West Indian Chickweed can be found in gardens and landscapes across its native and introduced regions.

Quick answers

What is West Indin Chickweed?

West Indian Chickweed, scientifically known as Drymaria cordata, is a hardy forb or herb that thrives in various climates across Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Native to regions including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, and Colombia, it has also spread to countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

West Indian Chickweed thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. It can be both an annual and perennial, reaching a height of 0.6 meters. This forb/herb is native to a wide range of regions including parts of South America, Africa, and Central America. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-drained and keep the plant in moist conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds or division. Given its native range, it is hardy in temperate regions. Harvest the edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow West Indin Chickweed for the first time

8steps

Start with West Indian Chickweed as a simple, low-maintenance herb for beginners.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, small pots or garden soil.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist soil; space plants about 30 cm apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent sunburn.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune plants lightly to encourage bushy growth; harvest leaves as needed.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of West Indian Chickweed are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often used fresh in salads for their mild flavor. The plant is also sometimes steamed or boiled as a vegetable.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

57 native · 37 introduced
Distribution across4 continents· 57 native· 37 introduced
Asia7 regions
introduced (7)BangladeshChinaGeorgiaIndiaJapanNepalTaiwan
Americas23 regions
native (16)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHondurasNicaraguaParaguayPeruSurinameUruguayVenezuela
introduced (7)BahamasCubaDominican RepublicHaitiJamaicaPuerto RicoUnited States
Africa21 regions
native (18)BurundiCameroonCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGuineaKenyaLiberiaMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaRwandaSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
introduced (3)ComorosMauritiusSeychelles
Oceania2 regions
introduced (2)FijiNew Caledonia
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Cape Provinces, Central African Repu, Chile North, Congo, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is., KwaZulu-Natal, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Northern Provinces, Panamá, Zaïre
introduced:Alabama, Central American Pac, East Himalaya, Florida, Hainan, Kazan-retto, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Louisiana, Malaya, Mississippi, Ogasawara-shoto, Society Is., Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is.
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Drymaria cordata (West Indin Chickweed) — botanical photograph
West Indin Chickweed (Drymaria cordata)
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Explore further

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