Friday Foraging #125 - 9th May 2025

Damiana - Turnera diffusa

Damiana does not typically grow in the UK out in the wild. It is native to subtropical climates such as Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, but as I do have people in the group from those places, I’m still sharing and apart from that, you can grow it indoors from seed in the UK if you want to.

This plant is very popular in the countries it grows in and is subject to over harvesting, so please do be aware and don’t take more than you need.

It is a small perennial shrub that grows between 12-20 inches tall. It is drought resistant, yet is susceptible to frost, which can and does occur at its preferred high altitude habitat. Harvesting typically occurs between November and early December before cold temperatures cause leaves to yellow and eventually drop.

It is obvious during the flowering season as it has a vibrant yellow 5 petalled flower on it.