Wild Turnip / Stachytarpheta
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
An upright herbaceous plant featuring opposite, coarsely serrated, ovate green leaves with distinct veining and a square or ridged stem typical of the verbena family.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Water
- Moderate watering frequency. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
- Growth
- Perennial herbaceous subshrub with an upright, branching growth habit, reaching a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a similar spread.
Care instructions
Provide full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Watering
Moderate watering frequency. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Avoid prolonged waterlogging.
Soil
Well-draining loamy or sandy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 9 through 11, grown as an annual in cooler temperate regions.
Growth habit
Perennial herbaceous subshrub with an upright, branching growth habit, reaching a mature height of 2 to 4 feet with a similar spread.
Bloom season
Blooms continuously in warm climates, producing slender terminal spikes with small tubular blue or purple flowers.
Propagation
Easily propagated via stem cuttings or seeds sown in warm, well-draining potting medium during the active growing season.
Common pests & issues
Generally resilient, but susceptible to root rot in poorly draining soils. Watch for occasional aphids or whiteflies.
Similar species
Other Stachytarpheta species (such as Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), distinguished primarily by subtle variations in leaf texture, floral bracts, and inflorescence shape.