Yellow wedelia (Sphagneticola calendulacea)

Sphagneticola calendulacea is a native Indian yellow daisy of wet field bunds and tank edges, long known as Wedelia chinensis. It is sometimes traded as yellow bhringraj. Its aggressive cousin, Sphagneticola trilobata, the creeping wedelia of garden lawns and roadsides, is an invasive plant from the Americas, and the two are easily confused.

Botanical name: Sphagneticola calendulacea (L.) Pruski
Family: Asteraceae
Tamil: Manjal karisalai
Hindi: Peela bhangra
Parts used: None as a first kitchen
Habit: Yellow bund daisy; karisalai is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Yellow wedelia

It is a low, creeping herb with opposite, narrow, rough leaves that are usually not lobed, and it roots at the nodes.

Flower heads are solitary, about two centimetres across, with bright yellow ray florets and a yellow centre, on long stalks.

The invasive Sphagneticola trilobata is more vigorous, with broader, often three-lobed leaves, and forms dense carpets in gardens.

False daisy, Eclipta prostrata, the usual bhringraj, has small white flower heads.

It flowers through much of the year wherever the ground stays moist.

Traditional use of Yellow wedelia

Ayurveda and folk practice

In some lists this plant is used as a yellow-flowered substitute for bhringraj in hair oils. Classical bhringraj is Eclipta prostrata.

Indian materia medica

Modern notes on Yellow wedelia

Pharmacognosy studies warn that substitution between bhringraj sources is common in trade.

Laboratory studies of extracts exist, but there are no good clinical trials.

Yellow wedelia safety

Do not eat it. Herbal hair oils can irritate the scalp, so patch-test first.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows in damp places across India, Sri Lanka, China and Southeast Asia.

Tank edges, paddy bunds and ditches are its typical habitat, so it disappears when wetlands are drained or lined with concrete.

Where the invasive creeping wedelia spreads, it can crowd out native herbs like this one. Prefer native species for groundcover.

Related plants

Also in Asteraceae

Questions about Yellow wedelia

Is Yellow wedelia bhringraj?

It is sometimes sold as a substitute. Classical bhringraj is Eclipta prostrata.

What older names does Sphagneticola calendulacea go by?

Wedelia chinensis and Wedelia calendulacea.

Is Yellow wedelia the invasive wedelia?

No. The invasive one is Sphagneticola trilobata.

Where does Yellow wedelia grow?

In wet ground along tanks, ditches and paddy bunds.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.