SafePlants

Hairy Joyweed (Alternanthera nana)

Hairy Joyweed, scientifically known as Alternanthera nana, is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. It is also known as Hairy Joyweed.

Considerations for Pets

• Plants of the Alternanthera genus may have hairy stems and leaves.
• Some species of Alternanthera can be prostrate, creeping, and rooting at the nodes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alternanthera nana R.Br.
• Common Name: Hairy Joyweed
• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Other Scientific Names:
  • Alternanthera flavogrisea Urb.
  • Alternanthera ficoidea var. flavogrisea Fawc. & Rendle

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Western Australia.
• Endemic to Texas (Alternanthera flavogrisea).

Ecological Role

• Some Alternanthera species, such as Khaki Weed (Alternanthera pungens), are considered noxious weeds in some states.
• Alternanthera philoxeroides (alligator weed) is noted as invasive.

Morphological Characteristics

• Hairy Joyweed can be a prostrate, ascending, or erect ephemeral herb.
• Stems are sparsely hairy, especially when young.
• Stems can be creeping, often rooting at the nodes.
• Leaves are oblong, ovate, elliptic, or oval. Leaf blades are about 17-30 x 8-12 mm.
• The plant's aerial part may dry out during the coldest periods, with regrowth in the spring.
• Bracts are ovate, up to 1.7 mm long, and hairy. Bracteoles are very broadly ovate, up to 2.5 mm long, and hairy.
• Can grow up to 0.5-2 m tall.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Leaves, hairy stems and flower clusters (Photo: Sheldon Navie).

Further Information

• FloraBase - the Western Australian Flora
• PlantNET Flora
• Discover Life
• WetlandInfo, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, Queensland
• A Flora of New South Wales (M.Gray 5187)