Family: Polygonaceae
Vietnamese coriander is a sprawling herb that is native to Indo-China. This plant is widely cultivated for cooking and garnishes. Resembling other family members (Polygonaceae), the main differences are red stems, purple blotches on the leaves, and a cilantro fragrance. All plant parts are flavorful and fragrant. Vietnamese coriander stands up to cooking much better than cilantro.
It will grow in a variety of conditions here in Hawai’i but does best with some shade. However, it needs regular water when grown in the full sunlight. A semi-annual herb, it will need to be re-propagated as the growth becomes leggy over time. Start fresh every two years or so.
Reproduce vegetatively. Propagate stem cuttings, ensuring at least one node is below the soil — Vietnamese coriander roots freely from the nodes. Fruits have never been observed in Hawai’i. Flowers are produced, but they don’t mature into fruit containing viable seeds.
Slugs, caterpillars, and fungal diseases can attack this plant. The best way to care for this edible herb is through prevention, early detection, and mechanical removal of pests.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Edible
- Fragrant
- Indoor plant
- Medicinal
- Shade
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized outside native range, but no evidence in the Hawaiian Islands to date
- Included in some weed lists in Australia, but no negative impacts have been described
- Other Persicaria (Polygonum) species have become invasive
- Reproduces vegetatively
- Able to reach maturity in one growing season (but limited to vegetative spread)
- Intentionally cultivated by people, and able to spread along watercourses
- Tolerates cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- Although listed as a weed in a few locations, there have been no negative impacts described
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Edible
- Fruit and seeds not produced in the Hawaiian Islands
- May be self-incompatible
- Lack of seed production minimizes risk of long distance dispersal
- Herbicides likely effective at control if needed
