Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

Indian Ayurvedic adaptogen — a small woody shrub with red berries. Roots are the medicinal part, harvested in autumn.

Hardiness ratings

Ashwagandha hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 8–11 −12.2 °C to 10 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H4 −10 °C to −5 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 8–9 −7 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 4–7 0 °C and warmer Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family — relevant for those avoiding nightshades
  • Strongly contraindicated in pregnancy and in autoimmune conditions
  • Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Ashwagandha against your zones

Reference

Ashwagandha on Wikipedia