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Washerwoman

Alternanthera caracasana

Last reviewed: October 2026

Washerwoman (Alternanthera caracasana)
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

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

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Alternanthera 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.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Washerwoman takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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 takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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