Wormseed
Dysphania anthelmintica
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Pl. 2EB3 — Dysphania anthelmintica
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IOverview
Overview
Wormseed (Dysphania anthelmintica) is a hardy annual or perennial plant native to regions including Arkansas, Bermuda, Colombia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guatemala, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH between 7 and 7.5. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is commonly propagated by direct seeding outdoors, thinning seedlings to about 15 cm apart. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to tolerate various soil textures while providing both edible and ornamental value.
Quick answers
What is Wormseed?
Wormseed (Dysphania anthelmintica) is a hardy annual or perennial plant native to regions including Arkansas, Bermuda, Colombia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Guatemala, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wormseed thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It prefers moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay. Plant directly outdoors after the last frost, spacing seeds about 15 cm apart. This plant is hardy in temperate regions (zones 10-12) and grows to a height of 1 meter. It requires full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly to maintain moisture levels. Wormseed can be propagated through direct seeding outdoors, making it easy for gardeners to grow. Harvest the leaves and seeds for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors, thin to 15cm
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Wormseed for the first time
8steps
Start with Wormseed by planting it in a sunny spot and following these simple steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden trowel or small shovel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Wormseed outdoors after the last frost in spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure the pH is between 7 and 7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors, spacing them about 15 cm apart. Cover lightly with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. Thin seedlings to maintain a 15 cm distance.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Pinch back stems for bushier growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage new growth and remove any dead leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, not thinning seedlings properly, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Condiment, Drink, Tea
Other uses:DyeEssential OilPest control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas3 regions
native (3)BelizeBoliviaColombia
Broader regions
native:Aruba, Brazil West-Central, North Carolina, Argentina South, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Mexico Gulf, Mississippi, Texas, Argentina Northwest, Brazil North, Bermuda, Brazil South, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Mexico Northeast, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, Argentina Northeast, Massachusetts, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Chile Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 2eb34eee-365b-4377-afc5-dfcfb41d766e
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