What it is
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is in the Amaranthaceae (Amaranth) family. The pungent Mexican herb cooked with beans to aid digestion. Heat-loving and self-sowing in Texas.
How to grow it
It wants full sun, water it low, and give it tolerant, even poor soil. Target a soil pH around 6.0–7.5. Space plants about 12 in apart. Expect roughly Cut as needed. Warm-season; self-sows.
How it's used
Epazote is used: cooked with beans.
🔎 How to identify it
- Jagged toothed leaves
- Strong pungent scent
- Self-sows readily
Edibility
PartsLeaves (cooked)
UsesCooked with beans
CautionUse in small amounts; not eaten raw in quantity.
🌤 Before you plant: check the live 7-day garden weather to time it right for frost and heat.
Part of the free Texas Roots plant database, compiled by Jordan Polasek from his greenhouse in El Campo, Texas. Free to read and share. If it helped, the best thanks is to grow something.