Gotu Kola: The Brain-Boosting Groundcover You’ll Love
If you’ve wandered through our nursery or picked up a few plants at the Trefoil Gardens market stand, you may have spotted a trailing little green beauty called Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica). It’s quietly lush, spreading low like a soft carpet, but don’t let its humble appearance fool you—this herb is a powerful ally in the garden and beyond.
Gotu Kola is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and has been celebrated for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Sometimes called "the herb of longevity," Gotu Kola has long been used to support cognitive function, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even promote wound healing. In Sri Lanka, it's said that elephants—known for their impressive memory—love to snack on Gotu Kola. Coincidence? We think not.
Why Grow Gotu Kola?
Edible & Medicinal: The leaves can be eaten fresh or dried for tea. They have a slightly bitter, green taste that pairs well with other herbs or fresh in a salad. Known for improving memory, reducing anxiety, and promoting skin health.
Great for Containers or Groundcover: Gotu Kola thrives in moist, partially shaded areas and will happily spill over the edge of pots or gently creep along garden beds.
Easy to Grow: As long as you give it regular water and some shade, Gotu Kola is forgiving and low-maintenance.
Our starter plants come from our mother plant, lovingly propagated from cuttings that trace back to growers who appreciate this plant’s rich herbal lineage.
Ready to grow your own? Grab a Gotu Kola plant at our next market or pre-order it through our plant sale page.
