Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedy.
Safety Overview
1.Cleome — Essential Profile
Cleome hassleriana, widely recognized as the spider flower or spider plant, is an captivating annual herbaceous species within the Cleomaceae family, formerly classified under Capparaceae. Indigenous to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, it thrives in warm climates and well-drained soils, frequently naturalizing in disturbed or open habitats. This robust plant typically attains a height of 90 to 150 cm (3 to 5 feet), sometimes reaching up to 180 cm, with a spread of 45 to 60 cm (1.5 to 2 feet). Its tall, erect stems are often covered in fine, glandular hairs, imparting a slightly sticky texture and a distinct, sometimes pungent, odor when disturbed.
The root system is fibrous, anchoring the plant firmly while efficiently absorbing nutrients. The foliage is palmately compound, typically comprising five to seven obovate to lanceolate leaflets, each up to 10 cm (4 inches) long, with entire margins and a vibrant medium to dark green hue, often paler underneath. These leaves are spirally arranged along the stem, providing a lush backdrop to the showy inflorescences. The most striking feature, lending to its common name, is its unique flower structure.
Large, terminal racemes bloom from late spring through the first frost, showcasing individual flowers in white, pink, rose, or deep purple shades. Each flower has four petals and six exceptionally long, delicate, and wispy stamens, extending far beyond the petals, creating the characteristic 'spider-like' or 'whisker-like' effect that makes Cleome hassleriana a garden favorite.
Trusted Scientific References
1. Authoritative external sources for Cleome hassleriana
1.1 Wikipedia — Cleome hassleriana
1.2 Kew POWO (Plants of the World Online)
1.3 PubMed — peer-reviewed research
1.4 NCBI Taxonomy Browser
1.5 GBIF — Global Biodiversity
1.6Cleome should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Cleome — Distinguishing Points
- ✓Distinctive Spider — like Flowers — Long, wispy stamens extending beyond petals create a unique appearance.
- ✓Glandular, Sticky Foliage — Stems and leaves are covered in fine, sticky hairs.
- ✓Pungent Aroma — Emits a characteristic 'skunk-like' or musky scent when brushed.
- ✓Palmately Compound Leaves — Typically 5-7 leaflets radiating from a central point.
- ✓Tall, Erect Growth Habit — Reaches impressive heights, providing vertical interest in gardens.
- ✓Prolific Self — Seeder — Readily produces and disperses seeds, often naturalizing.
- ✓Attracts Pollinators — Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
- ✓Drought Tolerant — Once established, tolerates dry conditions, though prefers consistent moisture.
- ✓Deer and Rabbit Resistant — Generally not favored by common garden pests.
- ✓Variety of Flower Colors — Available in white, pink, rose, and purple shades, often bicolour.
1.2.Cleome — Quick Summary
- ✓Cleome hassleriana, or Spider Flower, is a striking South American ornamental annual.
- ✓Known for its tall stature, palmately compound leaves, and unique, spider-like flowers.
- ✓Possesses a distinctive musky aroma and sticky, glandular foliage.
- ✓Traditionally, related Cleome species are used for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial purposes.
- ✓Cultivated for full sun, well-drained soil, and thrives with minimal pest issues.
- ✓Requires cold stratification and light for seed germination, and self-seeds readily.
2.Cleome — Scientific Identity
3.Cleome — Key Data
4.Cleome — Botanical Description
5.Cleome — Native Range & Habitat
6.Cleome — Traditional Uses
7.Cleome — Phytochemistry
- ✓Flavonoids — A diverse group of polyphenolic compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- ✓Alkaloids — Nitrogen-containing organic compounds that can have a wide range of pharmacological effects, including analgesic and antimicrobial actions.
- ✓Saponins — Glycosidic compounds that can exhibit anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and wound-healing properties.
- ✓Terpenoids — A large class of organic compounds, many of which possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.
- ✓Glucosinolates — Sulfur-containing compounds that can be hydrolyzed to produce isothiocyanates, which have shown antimicrobial and potential anti-cancer effects.
- ✓Phenolic Acids — Organic acids with antioxidant properties that can help protect cells from damage.
8.Cleome — Scientific Evidence
- ✓Anti-inflammatory Properties — Cleome hassleriana contains compounds that exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects, potentially aiding in the reduction of swelling and pain associated with various inflammatory conditions. This can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis or muscle strains.
- ✓Antioxidant Activity — The plant is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. This protective action can contribute to cellular health and may play a role in preventing chronic diseases.
- ✓Wound Healing Support — Traditional uses suggest that Cleome hassleriana can promote faster wound healing. Its constituents may stimulate cell regeneration and possess mild antiseptic properties, aiding in the prevention of infection in minor cuts and abrasions.
- ✓Digestive Aid — Some ethnobotanical records indicate its use as a digestive aid. It might help alleviate symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas by promoting healthy gut function and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
- ✓Antimicrobial Effects — Preliminary research suggests that extracts from Cleome hassleriana possess antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. This could be useful in topical applications for minor skin infections.
- ✓Pain Relief — Beyond its anti-inflammatory action, the plant may also possess analgesic properties, offering relief from various types of pain, including headaches and menstrual cramps.
- ✓Respiratory Support — In some traditional medicine systems, Cleome hassleriana has been used to address respiratory ailments. It might help to soothe coughs and ease congestion, potentially due to its expectorant or anti-inflammatory effects on the airways.
- ✓Skin Health Improvement — Topical application of Cleome hassleriana extracts may contribute to healthier skin. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness, irritation, and signs of aging.
- ✓Cardiovascular Health Support — The antioxidant compounds present in the plant could contribute to cardiovascular health by protecting blood vessels from oxidative damage and potentially improving blood circulation.
- ✓Diuretic Action — There is some indication that Cleome hassleriana may act as a mild diuretic, helping the body eliminate excess fluid and waste products, which can be beneficial for conditions involving fluid retention.
- ✓Immune System Modulation — The bioactive compounds within the plant may help to modulate the immune system, potentially enhancing its ability to fight off infections and maintain overall health.
- ✓Antiviral Potential — While research is limited, some studies explore the potential antiviral properties of Cleome species, suggesting possible applications in managing viral infections.
- ✓Stress Reduction — Certain compounds found in medicinal plants are known to have adaptogenic qualities, helping the body cope with stress. Cleome hassleriana might offer mild stress-reducing benefits.
8.1.Cleome — Indications & Uses
9.Cleome — Cautions & Contraindications
9.1.Cleome — Possible Adverse Reactions
- ✓While generally considered safe for traditional use, Cleome hassleriana may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals, such as nausea or stomach discomfort.
- ✓Allergic reactions, though rare, are possible, especially for those with sensitivities to plants in the Brassicaceae family.
- ✓It is advisable to start with small doses to assess individual tolerance.
9.2.Cleome — Toxicity Assessment
- ✓The safety profile of Cleome hassleriana is not extensively documented in modern scientific literature, and much of the information comes from traditional use.
- ✓Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before use due to a lack of specific safety data. As with any herbal remedy, it is recommended to consult a qualified healthcare provider before incorporating it into your wellness routine, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
10.Cleome — Usage Guide
- ✓Ornamental Cut Flower — Harvest stems when flowers are partially open for striking, long-lasting floral arrangements, noting potential musky scent.
- ✓Garden Specimen Plant — Integrate into annual or mixed beds for vertical interest, a cottage garden feel, or a tropical aesthetic.
- ✓Seed Collection — Allow seed pods to yellow and dry on the plant before collecting; they shatter easily when mature.
- ✓Self-Seeding Management — Remove developing seed pods to prevent prolific self-seeding, or apply thick mulch in spring to suppress volunteers.
- ✓Temporary Hedge/Screen — Utilize tall varieties in mass plantings to create a temporary summer hedge or screen along fences.
- ✓Container Planting — Shorter cultivars are suitable for large containers, adding height and unique texture to patio displays.
- ✓Companion Planting — Use as an airy foil for bold flowers like cosmos or coneflowers, or with other upright annuals like Liatris and snapdragons.
- ✓Traditional External Compress — In traditional systems using related Cleome species, leaves might be crushed and applied topically as a poultice for minor skin irritations or joint discomfort, though specific C. hassleriana use is not widely documented.
11.Cleome — How to Grow
- ✓Full Sun Exposure — Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
- ✓Well-Drained Soil — Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil; avoids waterlogging which can lead to root rot.
- ✓Cold Stratification — Seeds benefit from a period of cold stratification to break dormancy and improve germination rates.
- ✓Light for Germination — Seeds need light to germinate; press them onto the soil surface without covering.
- ✓Proper Spacing — Space plants 30-90 cm (1-3 feet) apart to allow for mature size and good air circulation.
- ✓Regular Watering — Water consistently, especially during dry periods, to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.
- ✓Pinching for Bushiness — Pinch back young plants to encourage branching and a more compact, bushier habit.
- ✓Pest & Disease Resistance — Generally robust with few serious pest or disease issues; deer and rabbits tend to avoid it.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Important medical disclaimer: This content is for educational and research purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Do not use any herb to self-treat a medical condition without professional guidance.
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and research purposes only and is not medical advice.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 15, 2026
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