Bowlesia incana aka Hoary Bowlesia

Bowlesia incana is native to both South America and the southwestern/southeastern United States. In South America, it occurs from southern Brazil through Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. In North America, it is native from California to Texas and northern Mexico. The species has also become naturalized in parts of Europe (France, Germany, Spain), Pakistan, and New Zealand as an introduced species.

Bowlesia incana is highly adaptable and grows in various soil types. It thrives in well-draining soils and is commonly found in disturbed areas, urban environments, turf, and container nurseries. While it shows preference for moist conditions, it is not particular about soil composition. The plant has facultative wetland status (FAC), meaning it can tolerate both typical garden soils and occasionally wetter conditions.

Bowlesia incana prefers shaded to partially shaded conditions. NC State Extension notes it tolerates deep shade (less than 2 hours direct sun) to partial shade (2-6 hours direct sun). The plant naturally grows among bushes and shrubs, in the shade of trees, and in protected microhabitats. Full sun exposure may stress the plant and cause leaf drop.

Bowlesia incana propagates easily by seed. As a self-pollinating annual, it produces abundant seeds that germinate readily in cool, moist conditions. Seeds can be sown directly in well-draining soil during fall or early winter. The plant will naturally self-seed prolifically if allowed to complete its lifecycle, which is why it spreads rapidly as a weed in landscapes and nurseries.

Bowlesia incana produces small, inconspicuous flowers from February through May. The tiny 5-petaled flowers are yellowish-green to greenish-white, sometimes with purple tints, and appear in small axillary umbels in the leaf axils. The flowers are only about 1.5 mm across and are easily overlooked. After pollination, they develop into small inflated fruits (schizocarps) about 2 mm wide containing seeds.

Bowlesia incana is primarily self-pollinating. Like many members of the Apiaceae family, it has small, perfect (hermaphroditic) flowers that can self-fertilize. The plant is self-compatible, meaning a single plant can produce viable seeds without cross-pollination. This reproductive strategy explains its ability to rapidly colonize new areas from just a few introduced seeds.

Bowlesia incana grows exclusively outdoors and is not suitable as a houseplant. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-11, though it grows most vigorously in milder climates. The plant prefers shaded, moist locations and is commonly found naturalized along sidewalks, in lawns, landscape beds, and under trees. As a winter annual, it germinates in fall, grows through winter and spring, then sets seed and dies back in late spring to early summer.

Bowlesia incana is a cool-season plant that thrives during winter and early spring when temperatures are mild. It germinates after autumn rains and grows actively through the cooler months. The plant does not tolerate hot summer conditions and naturally dies back as temperatures rise. It grows primarily in subtropical biomes and is best suited to areas with mild winters.

Bowlesia incana is a low-growing plant with weak, trailing stems that spread up to 60 cm (2 feet) long. The plant typically grows only 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) tall but can reach up to 60 cm when supported by surrounding vegetation. It forms pale green clumps or mats with stems originating from a central point in a rosette pattern. The kidney-shaped leaves are small, measuring less than 3 cm wide.

Bowlesia incana is generally pest and disease resistant. As a vigorous weed species, it has adapted to thrive without significant pest pressure. No major insect pests or diseases are commonly reported affecting this plant. However, like other plants, it may occasionally be affected by general garden pests. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is the most likely cause of problems in this species.

Bowlesia incana is edible and safe to consume. The young leaves have a mild cilantro-like flavor, as both plants belong to the Apiaceae (carrot/parsley) family. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads, used as a garnish, or cooked as a pot herb. Interestingly, people who dislike cilantro may still enjoy hoary bowlesia as it may lack the compounds that make cilantro taste soapy to some individuals. The plant is also nutritious, containing vitamins C and K along with potassium.

Bowlesia incana has minor traditional medicinal applications. The leaves contain essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, making them useful for treating minor wounds and skin irritations. A simple poultice can be made by crushing fresh leaves and applying directly to affected areas for 15-20 minutes. However, these uses are limited and not extensively documented in scientific literature. Those with allergies to the Apiaceae family should avoid use.