Dumbarton House Featured Flora: Globe Amaranth

Gomphrena Globosa

Globe amaranth, scientifically known as gomphrena globosa, is native to South and Central America and is a member of the Amaranthaceous family. It is a heat tolerant plant and grows best in full sun with regular moisture. Given its tropical nature, it blooms continuously throughout summer and early fall. While Dumbarton House’s variety are uniformly purple, the flower heads can range from shades of magenta, red, orange, white, pink, and lilac. Located in the herb garden, the flower has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for a variety of ailments ranging from respiratory diseases to jaundice.

Written by: Kathy Clare, Garden Volunteer

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