Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera
Tender Perennial (Zone 10)
Full Sun to Partial Shade
24” Tall
Plant 18” 24” Apart
 
Sometimes called ‘Indian Ginseng’, Ashwagandha is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine and in Sanskrit means ‘the vitality of the horse’. It’s regular use is said to promote vitality, increased vigor, and immune health, especially in the elderly. It can be grown as an annual, and typically the roots are used whether dried and powdered or in a tincture (the above ground portion of the plant can be toxic if eaten). The plants can do well in poor soils, but of course will do better with better soils and is drought tolerant and does not want to be planted in a wet location. Typically roots are harvested when the flowers or berries form and leaves begin to dry out.