Flame Acanthus

A favorite plant of the Texan Crescent butterfly, which lays eggs on its leaves, and of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird which visits for nectar. Hummingbirds arrive in March in North Texas, staying till September before flying south for winter in Mexico. This plant provides much-needed energy to raise baby birds in tiny 2" nests held together by spider silk! Flame Acanthus loves full sun. Morning sun is okay too, so long as it gets at least 6 hours of afternoon sun for plenty of blooms. Trim it back to the woody base after fall frost, and new fresh growth emerges from the base. It readily self-seeds, with tiny plants popping up nearby. Learn more from Master Gardeners, Nativo Gardens, and the Native Plant Society. 


Plant Size: 4" Pot or Gallon
Scientific Name: Anisacanthus quadrifidus
Height: 4-5 feet
Spread: 3.5 feet
Light: Full Sun, Afternoon Sun