Houttuynia
Houttuynia cordata
Houttuynia cordata is a vigorous, moisture-loving perennial ground cover celebrated for its heart-shaped leaves in vivid combinations of green, red, yellow, and cream, as well as its small white-braced flowers. It symbolizes adaptability, vitality, and the transformative power of color.
Saururaceae (Lizard's Tail family)
Late spring to midsummer (May–July); foliage is the primary ornamental feature throughout the growing season
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: lantanas and tricyrtiss also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Houttuynia cordata occupies a fascinating dual role in Asian cultures — at once a beloved edible herb, a cornerstone of traditional medicine, and an ornamental plant of striking visual impact. In Japan, Dokudami (meaning "poison-blocking plant") has been used medicinally for over a thousand years and is deeply embedded in folk healing traditions, while in Vietnam and Yunnan, the fresh leaves are a standard herb in everyday cuisine. In Western gardens, the plant is known almost exclusively for its dramatic variegated foliage, particularly the flamboyant 'Chameleon' cultivar, which transforms damp, difficult corners into vivid tapestries of color. Its ability to thrive where other plants struggle, to be both beautiful and useful, and to spread with irresistible vitality makes it a compelling symbol of adaptive resilience.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; foliage color is most vivid in full sun; tolerates shade but becomes greener with less light
Water
High moisture requirements; thrives in consistently moist or even wet soils; ideal for bog gardens and pond margins
Soil
Moist to wet, Humus-rich, Tolerates clay, Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0)
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in moist to wet, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade
Be aware that Houttuynia spreads aggressively by underground runners — use root barriers or containers to control spread in small gardens
The colorful 'Chameleon' cultivar offers the most striking tricolored foliage of red, yellow, and green
Cut back hard in late autumn or early spring to encourage fresh, vibrantly colored new growth
Excellent for suppressing weeds in persistently moist areas where other plants struggle
The leaves have a distinctive pungent, fishy aroma when crushed — pleasant to some, off-putting to others
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Colorful ground cover for moist, difficult areas
- Pond margins and bog garden planting
- Underplanting in damp woodland gardens
- Container planting for dramatic foliage effect
- Erosion control on moist slopes
- Feature plant in tropical and exotic-style garden schemes
Traditional Uses
- Houttuynia cordata (called Dokudami in Japan and Diep Ca in Vietnam) is one of the most widely used medicinal herbs in East and Southeast Asian traditional medicine
- Used extensively in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese medicine for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties
- Modern research has confirmed antibacterial and antiviral activity in extracts; studied for potential applications against respiratory infections and SARS-CoV
- The leaves are eaten fresh as a salad herb or herb garnish in Vietnamese, Yunnan Chinese, and Lao cuisine
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Houttuynia
What is houttuynia commonly called?
Houttuynia cordata has many common names reflecting its wide cultural footprint. In gardens it is most often called the Chameleon Plant for its multicolored foliage. In Asia it is known as Fish Mint or Fish Herb (for its pungent fishy aroma), Dokudami in Japan, and Giấp Cá or Diep Ca in Vietnam.
Is houttuynia invasive?
Houttuynia can be aggressively spreading in moist, favorable conditions, as it colonizes via vigorous underground runners. In some regions of North America and Europe it is considered invasive. It is best contained using root barriers or grown in pots to prevent it spreading into areas where it is not wanted.
What does houttuynia symbolize?
Houttuynia symbolizes adaptability, vitality, and bold transformation. Its ability to thrive in challenging wet conditions, its dramatically colorful foliage, and its centuries-long role as both food and medicine across Asian cultures make it a symbol of resilient, multifaceted strength.
Is houttuynia edible?
Yes — in Vietnam, southern China, Laos, and parts of northeast India, the fresh leaves of Houttuynia cordata are eaten raw as a herb garnish in salads, spring rolls, and noodle dishes. They have a strong, pungent flavor described as fishy, citrusy, and herbaceous. The taste is acquired and not universally enjoyed.
How do you control houttuynia?
The most effective way to control Houttuynia is to grow it in containers or use underground root barriers when planting in the ground. In established gardens, regular digging and removal of the shallow runners in spring helps limit spread. Complete eradication once established is very difficult.
Does houttuynia flower?
Yes — Houttuynia produces small but attractive flowers in late spring and summer. Each bloom consists of a central yellow-white spike surrounded by four to six white, petal-like bracts, similar in structure to a dogwood or bougainvillea flower. Though the flowers are modest compared to the foliage, they add a delicate charm to the plant.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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