https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/withania-somnifera/
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Withania somnifera is a small shrub or herb grown as an annual in zones colder than 8 but in its native habitat it grows as a ground covering perennial. The native habitats include open and disturbed areas. It plays a similar role as ginseng in China, leading to one of its common names, Indian Ginseng.
It does well in pots and can be grown from seed planting them 2 centimeters deep once the air temperature is above 70 degrees F. Place them in an area of your garden that gets full sun and has good draining, slightly alkaline sandy soil. Water the plant only when the soil drys out as it does not like wet feet. When grown from seed, it will flower and fruit in its first year. In cooler climates it will need to be brought indoors.
Short, fine, silver/gray branched hairs cover most of the plant. Its alternate leaves are opposite the flowering shoots.
The leaves as well as the roots have a distinct odor. The roots have a strong smell which as been described as having the odor of green tomatoes. The leaves can smell similar to a horses sweat. They are also used to produce an insect repellent.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: If eaten, this plant is toxic. It can cause dependence and decrease effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs.
Stem and root rot can effect this plant.
It cannot grow in the shade.
