Mexican ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum, Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.° 2 (1768))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Mill.

Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.° 2 (1768)

Year: 1768

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ageratum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to C. America

Description

Mexican ageratum, scientifically known as Ageratum houstonianum, is a popular plant widely cherished for its vibrant and ornamental aesthetic appeal. This plant belongs to the Asteraceae family, commonly known as the daisy or sunflower family, which encompasses a vast array of flowering plants known for their composite flower heads.

Native to Mexico and Central America, the Mexican ageratum has adapted well to a variety of environments, making it a resilient and favored choice among gardeners and landscapers worldwide. Its natural habitat spans from the warm, temperate regions of Mexico to the diverse climatic conditions found in Central America, allowing it to thrive in both wild and cultivated settings.

This charming plant is renowned for its clusters of small, fluffy flowers that bloom in captivating shades of blue, purple, and sometimes white. These blooms often attract a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, contributing to the ecological health of the surroundings. The Mexican ageratum’s foliage consists of heart-shaped leaves with a slightly serrated edge, providing an appealing contrast to its vivid flowers.

First documented in 1768, with a meticulous description in the Gardener’s Dictionary (8th edition), the Mexican ageratum has long captivated botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Authored by Mill., the description and classification of Ageratum houstonianum have provided a foundation for understanding its botanical characteristics and cultivation requirements.

In garden settings, the Mexican ageratum is often utilized as a border plant or ground cover due to its low-growing nature and dense, mat-like formation. It requires well-drained soil and flourishes under full sun or partial shade conditions. Regular watering and occasional fertilization can promote its lush growth and prolonged blooming period.

Not only does the Mexican ageratum enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes, but it also serves practical purposes. In some regions, it is utilized for its natural insect-repellent properties, adding a functional dimension to its ornamental value.

In summary, the Mexican ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum) stands out as a versatile and attractive plant, admired for its striking floral display and ease of cultivation. Its origins in Mexico and Central America reflect its adaptability and resilience, making it a cherished addition to gardens around the globe.

Common Names

Deu: (mexikanischer) leberbalsam, gewöhnlicher leberbalsam, mexikanischer leberbalsam
Spa: agerato, agérato
Eng: ageratum, blue billygoat-weed, bluemink, flossflower, mexican ageratum, blue billygoat weed, blue mink, floss flower
Dan: almindelig blåkvast
Afr: mexikaanse ageratum
Swe: ageratum, leverbalsam
Fra: ageratum du mexique
Hun: kék bojtocska
Ces: nestařec americký
Nno: blåkorg
Nob: blåkurv
Cym: ageratwm
En: Mexican ageratum, Ageratum, Flossflower, Bluemink, Blue billygoat-weed, Blue billygoat weed, Blue mink, Floss flower, Houston’s whiteweed, Blue billygoatweed
Af: Mexikaanse ageratum
Zh: Zi hua huo xiang ji
Cs: Nestařec americký
Da: Almindelig blåkvast
Fr: Ageratum du Mexique, Agératum du Mexique
De: Mexikanischer Leberbalsam, (Mexikanischer) Leberbalsam, Gewöhnlicher Leberbalsam, Leberbalsam
Hu: Kék bojtocska
Nb: Blåkurv
Nn: Blåkorg
Es: Agérato, Agerato, Santalucía
Sv: Ageratum, Leverbalsam
Cy: Ageratwm

Synonyms

• Ageratum mexicanum rubrum (T.Moore)
• Ageratum mexicanum var. nanum (T.Moore)
• Ageratum conyzoides var. mexicanum ((Sims) DC.)
• Ageratum wendlandii (M.Vilm.)
• Ageratum houstonianum f. niveum (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum mexicanum (Sims)
• Carelia houstoniana ((Mill.) Kuntze)
• Cacalia mentrasto (Vell.)
• Ageratum mexicanum album (T.Moore)
• Ageratum mexicanum var. wendlandii (Voss)
• Ageratum houstonianum var. muticescens (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum mexicanum var. majus (Voss)
• Ageratum houstonianum f. versicolor (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum houstonianum var. typicum (B.L.Rob.)
• Alomia pinetorum (L.O.Williams)
• Ageratum houstonianum f. isochroum (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum pinetorum ((L.O.Williams) R.M.King & H.Rob.)
• Ageratum houstonianum f. normale (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum conyzoides var. houstonianum ((Mill.) T.R.Sahu)
• Ageratum houstonianum var. angustatum (B.L.Rob.)
• Ageratum conyzoides subsp. houstonianum ((Mill.) M.Sharma)
• Ageratum houstonianum f. luteum (B.L.Rob.)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kazakhstan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turkmenistan (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 3, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2019 by Julien Salmon (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2018 by sustiputo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2017 by Mario (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 30, 2021 by Cardoso Ian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2019 by Rivera santos alhencris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 12, 2018 by Pz Sniper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Holyshock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2020 by Kerstin Kerstin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2020 by Flore Helena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 4, 2020 by Pierre Sosson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 1, 1983 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 13, 1976 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 10, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by mohammad fazel dehkordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 7, 2022 by yvon s (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Yoann Lussier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 22, 2022 by ruiz abril iara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2022 by Metzger Thomas (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5401760)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:175500-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ageratum houstonianum Mill.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth