Sprawling tropical perennial with curious red-and-yellow button flower heads. Chewing the flower head produces a strong tingling, numbing sensation — a topical local anaesthetic.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 9–11 | −6.7 °C to 10 °C | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 5–7 | 5 °C and warmer | Zones where it can be grown as an annual — not a frost-tolerance rating |
As a tender annual, Spilanthes (Toothache plant) doesn't overwinter — the zone range shows where the growing season supports it. See the RHS rating for its actual cold tolerance.
Growing notes
- Perennial in zone 9+, grown as annual elsewhere
- Children find the chewing sensation either delightful or alarming — supervise first try
- Always consult a qualified medical or herbal practitioner before using any plant medicinally
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Spilanthes (Toothache plant) against your zones