Plant Profile: Stevia rebaudiana

Sweetleaf, a delicate perennial belonging to the aster family, thrives in the warm, humid regions of South America. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and is primarily cultivated for its leaves, which are used to produce a natural sweetener. To enhance the flavor of the leaves, the flowers are usually trimmed back.

This plant prefers sandy, well-drained soil that retains some moisture and can flourish in full sun to partial shade. In North Carolina, it can be cultivated as an annual or brought indoors during the winter months. Additionally, cuttings can be taken for propagation.