Asthma Plant
Euphorbia hirta
Also listed as Chamaesyce hirta, Desmonema hirta
Also known as Asthma Weed, Asthma Spurge, Pillpod Spurge
Climate Match for your location
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A compact, fast-growing tropical perennial with small red flowers and hairy leaves, traditionally used in herbal medicine for respiratory support. Thrives in warm, sunny locations with minimal water requirements.
Why grow it
Euphorbia hirta establishes quickly in hot, dry conditions where many ornamental perennials struggle, making it useful for filling gaps in xeric permaculture designs. Its compact habit and minimal water needs once established compare favorably to larger tropical herbs, though it lacks the culinary versatility of plants like basil or the structural role of woody perennials. The plant's traditional use in herbal preparations reflects regional cultural practices, though evidence for specific health claims remains limited.
Watch out for
Euphorbia hirta can self-seed prolifically in warm climates, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage spread. The plant prefers well-draining soil and may decline in consistently wet conditions, despite low overall water needs. In cooler regions, treat as an annual or provide frost protection, as cold temperatures will kill it back.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Asia and Africa
Native to: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A compact, fast-growing tropical perennial with small red flowers and hairy leaves, traditionally used in herbal medicine for respiratory support. Thrives in warm, sunny locations with minimal water requirements.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Asthma Plant grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Euphorbia hirta establishes quickly in hot, dry conditions where many ornamental perennials struggle, making it useful for filling gaps in xeric permaculture designs. Its compact habit and minimal water needs once established compare favorably to larger tropical herbs, though it lacks the culinary versatility of plants like basil or the structural role of woody perennials. The plant's traditional use in herbal preparations reflects regional cultural practices, though evidence for specific health claims remains limited.
Watch out for
Euphorbia hirta can self-seed prolifically in warm climates, so deadheading spent flowers helps manage spread. The plant prefers well-draining soil and may decline in consistently wet conditions, despite low overall water needs. In cooler regions, treat as an annual or provide frost protection, as cold temperatures will kill it back.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Tropical Asia and Africa
Native to: Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Utah
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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