What Is Turnera Diffusa?

Description

• Turnera diffusa, also commonly referred to as stag's herb and shepherd's herb, belongs to the Turnereae plant family. The plant has a mature height of about 7 feet with light green, smooth foliage. Leaves are 1/4 to 1 inch long and 1/4 inch wide. The shrub blooms with 1/4- to 1/2-inch-long single yellow flowers during late summer followed by fragrant fruit filled with numerous seeds.

History of Use

• The earliest recorded evidence of Turnera diffusa dates back to the late 17th century. However, the plant had been in use well before that in ancient Mexican societies for diffusing the lethargy imposed by alcohol and other reasons. During the 19th century, the plant was widely prescribed for its laxative, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant properties. It also continued to be used as an aphrodisiac regardless of doubts of its effectiveness as such.

Growth Conditions

• Turnera diffusa adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils including sandy, loam or clay and grows in acidic or alkaline ground. Plant growth is optimal in full sun. The shrub is intolerant of shade and is hardy to temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees F. Even if the above-ground plant dies in severe cold, the hardy rootstock resumes growth during spring. Applying a thick mulch layer to the root zone during fall is recommended as winter protection.

Propagation

• The shrub is easily propagated with seed started indoors or in a greenhouse during spring. Transfer young seedlings into individual pots and keep indoors through the first winter. Set the plants out into permanent outdoor locations early in the following summer, and provide winter protection during the first winter outdoors. Plants may also be propagated with division in spring or fall or with semi-hardwood cuttings taken during summer.