ROOT BEER PLANT or MEXICAN PEPPERLEAF Piper auritum

Characteristics  Perennial  Spread: 2’ – 12’  Zone: 8 to 12  Leaves: Large, Fragrant, heart-shaped  Sun: Partial or dappled shade  Large bush or small tree  Height: 2’ – 12’

Culture

A root beer plant growing in the garden provides an interesting fragrance. A root beer plant, also known as Hoja Santa, holy leaf or Mexican pepperleaf, growing in the garden provides the aroma of root beer, and large, furry leaves in which to wrap foods and give them a hint of root beer flavor. An evergreen shrub or small tree in USDA zones 10 and 11, root beer plants are herbaceous perennials in USDA zones 8 and 9. Flowers of the root beer plant are not showy and sometimes not even noticeable. Plant it in full sun to part shade, feed and water occasionally. Caring for root beer plants can be neglected without the loss of the plant, but the most attractive foliage results from proper care. The plant won’t survive in freezing temperatures.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Root beer plants are primarily used as culinary ingredients, or in some areas, medicinal. Native to Mexico, this plant has a diversity of uses. Leaves of the root beer plant are steamed and used as wraps in many native dishes. The leaves may also be chopped for use in cooking or salads. Info about root beer plants says they are also used medicinally as an aid to digestion and to calm colicky babies. Other info says it is used for bronchitis and asthma. However, in the United States, the FDA banned its commercial use as root beer flavoring in the 1960’s, as it contains the oil safrole, which is known to be carcinogenic in animals.

Problems

Relatively disease free. Tender perennial.

Garden Uses

Root beer plant may best be grown for the scent in the garden and not for culinary use. Some sources consider it to be toxic; other information disagrees.