Sida rhombifolia

Scientific Name: Sida rhombifolia

Plant Family: Malvaceae

Native Region: Pantropical, likely originating in the Old World; now naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the southern United States.

Sida rhombifolia

Brief Description

A perennial or subshrub with woody stems and diamond-shaped (rhomboid) to lance-shaped leaves with serrated margins. It features small yellowish-orange flowers and a very tough, fibrous stem.

Care Instructions

This is a hardy weed-like plant that thrives in disturbed soils and full sun. It requires minimal intervention; water only during prolonged droughts and avoid heavy fertilization as it prefers poor soils.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade; prefers 6+ hours of direct sunlight per day.

Watering

Low to moderate. Very drought-tolerant once established; overwatering can lead to root rot in poorly draining soils.

Soil

Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils; adaptable to a wide range of pH (5.0 to 7.5).

Hardiness Zone

8 to 11 (grown as an annual in cooler climates).

Growth Habit

Perennial subshrub or herb; erect growth reaching 2-4 feet in height and spreading 2-3 feet wide.

Bloom Season

Year-round in tropical climates; summer to fall in temperate regions. Produces small 5-petaled yellow to pale orange flowers.

Toxicity

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets, though it contains trace amounts of ephedrine and should not be consumed in large quantities without expert guidance.

Propagation

Primarily by seeds, which are dispersed by animals or water. Can sometimes be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings.

Common Pests & Issues

Highly resistant to most pests; may occasionally attract spider mites or whiteflies in very dry conditions. Can be invasive in pastures and gardens.

Similar Species

Sida spinosa (Prickly Sida), which has small 'spines' at the base of the leaf stalks, and Sida cordifolia, which has heart-shaped leaves.

Interesting Facts

Commonly known as 'Arrowleaf Sida' or 'Broomweed.' The stems are so tough that they were historically bound together and used as actual brooms for sweeping.

Created At: 2026-04-24T21:54:51.259118