Ashwagandha - Withania somnifera (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Ashwagandha

Also known as: Poison gooseberry, Rennet

Ashwagandha is a bush-forming plant that produces orange-red fruit similar to small-sized tomatillos. Although it's occasionally grown as a garden plant, it should be treated carefully; it does live up to its common name of "poisonous gooseberry." The specific epithet somnifera in its Latin name means "sleep-inducing."

Scientific classification

Species

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Nightshades, bindweeds, gooseweeds, and allies

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Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

1.2 m

Plant Height

90 cm

Spread

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Yellow, Green

Flower Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

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Bell-shaped, greenish-yellow flowers at leaf nodes; less than 0.25 inches (0.6 cm) in diameter.

Spherical red berries, initially green turning to orange/red, enclosed in lantern-like pods.

Simple, ovate leaves with tiny hairs on underside, giving a gray sheen; 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length.

Erect stem covered in tiny hairs, 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter; branching pattern with alternate branches.

Diminutive shrub, 3 feet tall and wide, suitable for ground-covering growth with densely covered branches.

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Care Guide for Ashwagandha

Every 2-3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Adapted to arid conditions, ashwagandha is highly drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil between watering. Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry completely. During the active growth season, ashwagandha may need more frequent watering to support its development.

Pruning: Ashwagandha is a hardy perennial valued for its medicinal properties. Pruning should be done from early to late spring, focusing on removing dead branches and thinning overgrowth for improved airflow and light. Clean cuts promote health and vitality, leading to robust growth and abundant flowering.

Propagation: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic medicinal herb from the Solanaceae family. For propagation, sow ashwagandha seeds in well-drained, organic-rich soil, ensuring moisture without waterlogging. A warm environment aids growth, and seedlings should be nurtured until robust enough for transplantation.

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Care Guide for Ashwagandha

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