Ashwaganda

Withania somnifera This perennial medicinal evergreen shrub is native to India and thoughout the Middle East. The roots are used as a traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a sleep aid and for stress management. Very drought tolerant, takes the heat, and even poor soils. The greenish bell shaped flowers produce small orange/red berries. Start seeds indoors in small pots, keep warm, takes some time to germinate. Young plants are frost sensitive. Grown as an annual in most cooler temperate locations. Overwinters with protection in Zone 8-9.