Stevia rebaudiana, commonly known as Candyleaf or Stevia, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb native to the grasslands and semi-arid regions of Paraguay and Brazil. It typically grows to a height of 30–60 centimeters (1–2 feet) and features small, lanceolate leaves that are arranged oppositely along the stems. The white flowers, which may have light purple accents, bloom in late summer to fall and are not particularly showy. The plant does not produce notable fruit, but rather inconspicuous, dry, one-seeded fruits after flowering. Stevia is primarily cultivated for its sweet leaves, which are harvested to produce a calorie-free sweetener.

In cultivation, Stevia is valued for its sweet leaves, which are a natural alternative to artificial sweeteners. It is commonly used in herb gardens and as an edging plant. Stevia requires a warm climate and cannot tolerate frost; in cooler regions, it is grown as an annual or in greenhouses. It thrives in full sun to part shade, with medium water requirements, and prefers well-drained soils. While it is not prone to many diseases, root rot can occur in poorly drained soils. Stevia can also be sensitive to cold temperatures and requires protection or overwintering indoors in temperate zones.CC BY-SA 4.0