You will know by smelling the plant that it is epazote, which has a pungent odor that smells similar to turpentine with hints of camphor or eucalyptus. It is useful as a culinary herb, especially in Mexican and South American recipes. I like the flavor it adds to a pot of beans. Just a little sprig of about 3 or 4 leaves is all you need to add some nice authentic flavor.

C. ambrosioides also has a history of medicinal uses.

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This plant self sows abundantly. To keep it from being an unwanted weed, I only let one small stalk go to seed and lay it where I want plants to grow the next year . I leave a garden marker so I do not forget the placing, but the seedlings are so aromatic that they do get noticed if they are being weeded out.

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I grew this last year for the 1st time having never even heard of it. I got the seeds in the seed swap here, Jan.2017. It grew very well here in south Louisiana, forming a whopping 3'x3' bush at the end of a garden row. I saved a few seeds, but wouldn't have had to as it was perennial here in zone 9 and returned from the roots in spring 2018. I also found a few volunteer plants from seeds that fell. I love the smell and taste, so I add a little to meat dishes as well as a variety of beans I cook. I never tried it as tea, though. It could be quite a strong taste.

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