Yellow button-like flowers with orange centers sit on long red stems and green leaves. Acmella oleracea, Spilanthes Toothache herb.
Yellow button-like flowers with orange centers sit on long red stems and green leaves. Acmella oleracea, Spilanthes Toothache herb.

Spilanthes (Acmella oleracea)

$9.95

Also known as the 'Toothache Plant'. Tropical perennial native to Brazil, grows 18 inches tall, in a mounding form.  Flowers sport the characteristic bright crimson “fisheye” at the apex. Traditional usage (TWM): anti-inflammatory, stimulant, tonic, dentifrice, earache, gum disease, Lyme disease, and malaria. Plant prefers full sun and well-manured soil and plenty of water. Space 1 to 2 feet apart.

Photo credit: Strictly Medicinal Seeds

This plant decription comes from Strictly Medicinal Seeds.

Also known as the 'Toothache Plant'. Tropical perennial native to Brazil, grows 18 inches tall, in a mounding form.  Flowers sport the characteristic bright crimson “fisheye” at the apex. Traditional usage (TWM): anti-inflammatory, stimulant, tonic, dentifrice, earache, gum disease, Lyme disease, and malaria. Plant prefers full sun and well-manured soil and plenty of water. Space 1 to 2 feet apart.

Photo credit: Strictly Medicinal Seeds

This plant decription comes from Strictly Medicinal Seeds.

 Key Features

Light Requirement

  • Full Sun

Growing Zones

  • Zone 9

  • Zone 10

  • Zone 11

  • Zone 12

Bloom Time

  • Late Summer to Early Fall

Mature Height

  • 12 to 18 in tall

Mature Spread

  • 12 to 18 in wide

Ships As

  • Potted Plant

Planting & Care

Open the package immediately, keep it protected from the cold, and water each potted plant. If the weather is consistently above freezing, begin planting as soon as possible.

Some of our plants will ship to you as bare roots. Proper care of bare-root plants involves keeping the roots moist until you are ready to plant and storing them in cool conditions if you cannot plant immediately. When ready, plant them carefully to ensure healthy establishment in your garden.

The Best Time to Plant

The best time of year for planting perennials is either in spring after the last frost or in early fall before the first frost, depending on your climate and USDA hardiness zone. If you are planting in summer, aim to plant in the morning or early evening to minimize transplant shock. Water consistently until your plants are established and consider mulching around the roots to reduce the soil temperature. With proper attention and care, perennials can thrive in the longer days of summer and become well established before their winter dormancy period.