Unicorn Plant
Proboscidea louisianica
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Pl. 2BB1 — Proboscidea louisianica
Proboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianicaProboscidea louisianica
IOverview
Overview
The Unicorn Plant (Proboscidea louisianica) is a distinctive annual forb or herb native to regions including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico. Known for its edible fruit, root, and seed, this plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Hardy in zones 9-11, it grows to a height of about 1 meter. Its native range is limited compared to its broader distribution across North America, making it particularly notable for its culinary and potential medicinal uses. One distinctive feature sets this plant apart: its unusual appearance, which has given rise to the common name "Unicorn Plant."
Quick answers
What is Unicorn Plant?
The Unicorn Plant (Proboscidea louisianica) is a distinctive annual forb or herb native to regions including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and parts of Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Unicorn Plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, making it suitable for temperate regions. This annual plant reaches a height of about 1 meter and can be propagated through seeds. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. Harvest edible parts such as fruit, root, and seed when ripe.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Unicorn Plant for the first time
7steps
Start with simple soil and basic care for your Unicorn Plant.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a pot or garden bed, good quality potting mix if planting in containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light, medium, or heavy texture. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot, ensuring full sun exposure.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering as needed, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain shape. Harvest fruits when ripe for use.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitRootSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialDyeoilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native· 3 introduced
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Mexico Gulf, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Mexico Northeast, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mexico Central, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey
introduced:Cape Provinces, Free State, Maryland
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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