Washerwoman
Alternanthera caracasana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Washerwoman (Alternanthera caracasana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
6"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
N/A
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaAlternanthera caracasana is a low-growing annual forb that forms compact mounds of colorful foliage. This warm-season plant thrives in full sun and provides consistent color throughout the growing season before dying back with the first frost.
In an HOA neighborhood
Washerwoman is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Dies completely in winter as an annual
- Requires replanting each year
Wildlife value
Limited wildlife value as an ornamental annual, though it may provide some habitat for small insects. Its primary benefit is aesthetic rather than ecological.
Common questions
- How much sun does Washerwoman need?
- Washerwoman grows best in full sun conditions.
- Is Washerwoman HOA-friendly?
- Washerwoman is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Washerwoman? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz