Emilia sonchifolia aka Cupid's Shaving Brush
Taxonomy ID: 10651
Emilia sonchifolia is an erect, branching annual herb belonging to the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. Native to tropical Asia, this fast-growing plant has naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, the Americas, and the Pacific islands.
The plant typically grows 10 to 60 centimeters tall, though under optimal conditions it can reach up to 150 centimeters. It features wiry, multi-branched stems with sparsely hairy young growth. The leaves are variable in shape, with lower leaves often lyrate (lyre-shaped) and clasping the stem, while upper leaves tend to be more linear. The plant produces distinctive flat-topped flower heads in shades of lilac, pink, or purple, resembling small shaving brushes—hence the common name "Cupid's Shaving Brush." Flowering occurs from summer through autumn (July to October in temperate regions), with each plant capable of producing over 5,000 wind-dispersed seeds.
In India, Emilia sonchifolia holds cultural significance as one of the "Ten Sacred Flowers of Kerala" (Dasapushpam). The plant has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and various folk medicine practices across Asia, Africa, and South America. It is used to treat conditions ranging from fever and inflammation to eye complaints and wounds.
The young leaves and shoots are edible and consumed as a vegetable in Malaysia, Bangladesh, India, and other Asian countries, often added to salads or cooked dishes. The leaves have a slightly bitter flavor. However, caution is warranted as the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (including senkirkine and doronine), which can be hepatotoxic at higher doses or with prolonged consumption.
Often found growing in waste areas, roadsides, pastures, and disturbed ground from sea level to 3,000 meters elevation, this adaptable species is considered a common weed in tropical agricultural areas. While easy to grow and attractive to pollinators including butterflies, bees, and hoverflies, it can become invasive in some regions and should be managed accordingly.
Common names
Cupid's Shaving Brush, Lilac Tasselflower, Purple Sow Thistle, Sow Thistle, Tassel Flower, Flora's Paintbrush, Cupid's Paintbrush, Red Tasselflower, Consumption Weed, PualeleMore information about Cupid's Shaving Brush
How big does Emilia sonchifolia grow?
Emilia sonchifolia is a fast-growing annual herb that typically reaches 40-60 cm (15-24 inches) in height, though it can grow up to 150 cm under optimal tropical conditions. The plant has a multi-branched, bushy habit with wiry stems spreading approximately 30 cm wide. It produces over 5,000 seeds per plant and can complete its growth cycle in as few as 8 weeks from germination to flowering.
What soil does Emilia sonchifolia need?
Emilia sonchifolia is highly adaptable and grows in light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers well-drained conditions with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (4.5-7.0). Interestingly, the plant flowers better on nutritionally poor soils—rich soils produce more foliage but fewer blooms. Good drainage is the most important soil requirement.
What temperature does Emilia sonchifolia need?
Emilia sonchifolia thrives in warm conditions with an optimal temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F), though it can tolerate temperatures from 10-40°C. The plant is frost tender and cannot survive freezing temperatures. In temperate climates, it is grown as a spring-sown annual. Seeds germinate when soil temperatures exceed 21°C (70°F).
What humidity does Emilia sonchifolia prefer?
Emilia sonchifolia is tolerant of heat and humidity, making it well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates. It naturally occurs in regions with annual rainfall of 1,000-2,000mm but can tolerate a wide range from 500-4,000mm. The plant handles humid conditions well but is also drought-tolerant once established due to its deep root system.
Does Emilia sonchifolia need fertilizer?
Emilia sonchifolia actually performs better in nutrient-poor soils. PFAF notes that plants flower better on nutritionally poor soils, while rich soils produce excessive leafy growth at the expense of blooms. If you're growing it for flowers, avoid fertilizing. If growing for edible leaves, light fertilization may increase leaf production, but it's generally unnecessary.
When does Emilia sonchifolia flower?
Emilia sonchifolia produces distinctive flat-topped flower heads in shades of lilac, pink, or purple from July through October in temperate climates. In tropical regions like Florida, it can bloom year-round, with peak flowering from late summer through spring. Each flower head is less than 1 inch in diameter and resembles a small shaving brush. The flowers are long-lasting, good for cutting, and highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hoverflies.
How do you propagate Emilia sonchifolia?
Emilia sonchifolia is propagated exclusively by seed. Sow seeds in early spring under glass, barely covering them with soil. Prick out seedlings into individual pots and transplant outdoors after the last frost. Alternatively, direct sow outdoors in mid-spring once temperatures are consistently above 21°C (70°F). Each plant produces over 5,000 wind-dispersed seeds, so it readily self-seeds in favorable conditions.
Can Emilia sonchifolia grow outdoors?
Emilia sonchifolia grows best outdoors in USDA zones 8-11 where it can survive year-round in frost-free areas. In cooler zones, it is grown as a spring-sown annual. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil at the front of borders. It tolerates heat and humidity well and is suitable for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and containers. Space plants about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.
What pests and diseases affect Emilia sonchifolia?
Emilia sonchifolia is relatively pest and disease resistant. The main concern is slugs, which can damage young plants during wet spring weather. Otherwise, the plant has few significant pest or disease problems. As a fast-growing weed species, it is naturally resilient and rarely troubled by major issues when growing conditions are suitable.
Is Emilia sonchifolia edible?
The leaves, young shoots, and flowers of Emilia sonchifolia are all edible, consumed raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The leaves have a slightly bitter flavor and are traditionally eaten in Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India. Leaves are best harvested before flowering. However, the plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can be hepatotoxic at high doses, so consumption should be moderate and not prolonged. Dried leaves contain notable calcium (2,187mg/100g) and phosphorus (648mg/100g).
What are the medicinal uses of Emilia sonchifolia?
Emilia sonchifolia has a long history in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and South America. It is used to treat fever, inflammation, wounds, dysentery, diarrhea, eye complaints (including night blindness), and as an expectorant. In India, it is one of the 'Ten Sacred Flowers of Kerala' (Dasapushpam). Scientific studies have confirmed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. However, the plant contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so medicinal use should be approached with caution.
How is Emilia sonchifolia pollinated?
Emilia sonchifolia is pollinated primarily by insects and is also self-fertile (self-pollinating). The colorful flower heads attract a variety of pollinators including butterflies, skippers, bees, and hoverflies. This makes it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens and butterfly gardens. The species is hermaphrodite, with each flower containing both male and female reproductive organs.
What varieties of Emilia sonchifolia exist?
Two varieties of Emilia sonchifolia are recognized taxonomically, though both are now considered synonyms of the main species: var. javanica (from Java and Southeast Asia) and var. sonchifolia (the type variety). Flower colors can range from lilac and pink to purple. The closely related Emilia fosbergii (Florida tasselflower) produces red or scarlet flowers and is sometimes confused with E. sonchifolia in cultivation.
