African hemp is a species of flowering evergreen shrub or small tree native to the open woodland of Africa and typically grown as a houseplant. In form, it is bushy with soft wood and a rounded habit. The branches are soft and young branches are covered in stiff, bristly hairs. It can be grown in the landscape as a cultivated herbaceous ornamental, but keep in mind that it will not like temperatures that go below 45 degrees F. It can grow to a height of 20 feet. It is not related to true hemp. Much of the attraction of this flowering shrub is in the puff of brightly bicolored stamens. African hemp is known for the rapid movements made by the stamens when they are touched. When an insect, or a finger, bumps or brushes the flower, the mass of stamens spreads out. This adaptation helps in more effective pollination. Grow African hemp in sites with some shade. It will grow in a sunny position but prefers a bit of shade. It grows best in well-drained, fertile, well-composted soils. Add compost when planting and lay a generous mulch of compost at least once a year. It is better in a well-ventilated position. It is not suited to an exposed position that receives strong wind and needs protection from frost. Water well and prune to shape. If left unpruned, it can become leggy. Prune back hard once a year, in spring, to encourage a dense, bushy habit. African hemp does well in pots and can be grown indoors, where it needs a well-ventilated position in bright light but not direct sun. Water well in summer. Feed generously or repot every year with fresh, composted soil. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Yellowing of the leaves indicates drought stress. Leaves rot off very quickly if they get too wet. Free air circulation reduces attacks by fungi on the leaves Sparrmannia species are known for their haptonasty, rapid movements made by the stamens when they are touched. This adaptation helps in more effective pollinat The hairs on the leaves of this plant are mildly poisonous, causing a low risk of skin irritation upon contact. The toxin of this plant is unknown, but the resulting skin irritation tends to last only a few minutes.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage
Mature size
Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in. | Width: 7 ft. 0 in. - 13 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
2 - Understory (15-40 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Broad; Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf margin
Dentate
Leaf feel
Soft
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Heart-shaped, irregularly toothed leaves up to 8 inches long. The leaves often have 3, 5, 7 or 9 lobes but are usually entire near the inflorescence. The leaves are softly textured, covered in short, bristly hairs on both sides.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; White
Flower value
Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Umbel
Flower detail
The flowers are white with a mass of yellow and red-purple stamens in the centre, produced in 10 to 20 umbels towards the ends of the branches. In bud, the flowers are white to greenish white and drooping, and the outer surface of the flower stalks are covered in short bristly hairs.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer; Winter
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
The fruit is a rounded capsule, covered in spiny bristles, that splits open when ripe to release brown seeds with a finely wrinkled seed coat.
Stem detail
The branches are soft and young branches are covered in stiff, bristly hairs.
The hairs of the leaves of this plant are mildly poisonous causing skin irritation upon contact. The toxin is unknown, but the irritation is minor and lasts only a few minutes.