Damiana Growing in Texas

Damiana prefers dry, rocky soil.

Damiana, also known by its scientific name, Turnera diffusa, is a small shrub native to the southern United States, including Texas. It also lives in Central America, South America and some parts of the Caribbean. Damiana is traditionally used as an incense and in liqueur, due to its relaxing effects.

Appearance

Damiana grows up to about 3 feet tall and has small, pale green leaves with dense hairs on the bottom. It produces yellow flowers with a strong, spicy smell, followed by a pod-like fruit that tastes similar to figs.

Environment

This plant prefers dry, rocky or sandy soil with good drainage. It can tolerate loam or clay soils, and does well in both acid and alkaline conditions. Plant damiana in a sunny, sheltered place, where it cannot be damaged by frost. In areas of Texas with cold winters, keep this plant in a pot or cover it when frost is expected.

Propagation

Damiana can be grown from seed by sowing indoors, then moving seedlings to individual pots. Plants for a Future suggests growing this plant in the greenhouse for the first winter. Damiana may also be propagated by division or by rooting cuttings taken in late summer.

References

• Plants for a Future: Turnera Diffusa Aphrodisiaca
• Erowid: Growing the Hallucinogens -- Damiana