Common Name: Ageratum

General Information

Ageratum is a usually erect, and often much-branched, annual plant growing 30 - 100cm tall.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. Very ornamental, it is often grown in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

C. America, north to south-western N. America - Mexico; Caribbean.

Habitat

Pine woods and cultivated ground[]. Disturbed sites, mainly coastal[]. Locally common in fields, roadsides and waste places at elevations up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Lepidoptera
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Grows well in ordinary garden soil[]. Requires a sheltered position in full sun[].
Often grown as an ornamental, the plant has escaped from cultivation and become naturalised in many areas[].
The flowers are very attractive to butterflies[].
The removal of dead flowers will extend the flowering season.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The juice of the plant is used externally to treat cuts and wounds[].

Other Uses

The plant yields an insecticide[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow early spring in a light position in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 weeks at 20°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out and plant them out after the last expected frosts.