Alternanthera Species, Dwarf Copperleaf, Sessile Joyweed

the plant alternanthera sessillis has been used in chinese medicine, this is added with aneilema keisak hassk also known as marsh dewflow...Read Moreer, and wedelia chinensis also known as chinese wedelia to make a chinese medicinal concoction or a summer drink, i personally drink it when the heat is high) in the summer to lower the heat (yang) inside the body. This combination of 3 plants is boiled in low heat for 2 hours and then added with peppermint leaves that will give it extra coolness, is added with sugar to taste and then refrigerated. Mmm, tastes refreshing

U. S. FEDERALLY LISTED NOXIOUS WEED.
Not allowed for import to the US and not allowed in any interstate or intrastate transportat...Read Moreion without a specific permit from USDA APHIS PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine).

A small piece of this plant was potted with a pond plant that I bought. The nursery wanted to pull it from the pot, but I told her that I...Read More wanted it. I transplanted it to it's own pot and barely submersed the pot in my pond. It grew like crazy! I cut it back repeatedly and tossed the cuttings into my garden. Needless to say it sprouted in my garden! The red color of the leaves is a beautiful contrast to my other plants, but it can get out of control. By mid-summer it completely took over, I just keep cutting it back. It over winters well here, even with a cold winter that we had. I like this plant for it's color, but I think I'll put it where I don't mind it taking over. Grows well in pond and in the garden.