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Marcus, Joseph A. (Austin, TX)

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Torr.) Henrickson

Flame acanthus, Hummingbird bush, Wright's desert honeysuckle, Wright acanthus

Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)

Synonyms: Anisacanthus wrightii

USDA Symbol: ANQUW

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Flame acanthus is a spreading, 3 ft. deciduous shrub with exfoliating bark; red-orange, tubular flowers; and light-green, lanceolate leaves. This drought- and cold-tolerant shrub will adapt to a variety of soils and does well in patio pots. It blooms better in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Cutting the plant back severely in winter will provide more blooms and encourage a bushier form. Attractive bark provides winter interest.

The Acanthus Family includes trees, shrubs and herbs. Stems are square; leaves are generally without teeth or lobes, and are opposite. The blue, lavender, or purple flowers are 2-lipped and almost radially symmetrical. There are 2–4 stamens; when 4, they are in unequal pairs.

The species name of this plant is for Charles Wright, 1811-1885, world-wide botanical collector but mainly in Texas (1837-1952), Cuba and his native Connecticut.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Pinnately Veined
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acute
Leaf Base: Rounded
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Breeding System: Hermaphroditic
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: 2-3
Leaf Color: Dull light green
Flower Size: 3-4 cm long
Sepals: calyx 5 mm; lobes ovate
Petals: lobes narrowly ovate & obtuse
Stamens: 2; epipetalous
Pistil: ovary ext. 2 mm above disk
Fruit Length: 15 mm
Fruit Color: brown capsules, black seeds

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: Edwards Plateau, Texas, to n. Mexico.
Native Habitat: Rocky banks and floodplains of streams on the Edwards Plateau; also north Mexico.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Well-drained sand, loam, clay, caliche, limestone. Adapts to a wide variety of soils, from rocky slopes to open areas.
Conditions Comments: Flame acanthus is drought tolerant; it blooms in summer when few others do. Reseeds readily and has a long bloom period. This drought- and cold-tolerant shrub will adapt to a variety of soils and does well in patio pots. It blooms better in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Cutting the plant back severly in winter will provide more blooms and encourage a bushier form. Attractive bark provides winter interest.
Texas comments: Flame acanthus is drought and cold-tolerant and will adapt to a variety of soils. It also does well in patio pots. It blooms better in full sun but will tolerate light shade. Cutting the plant back severely in winter will provide more blooms and encourage a bushier form. Its attractive bark provides winter interest.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Perennial garden, Blooms ornamental, Showy, Planned landscape, Understory
Use Wildlife: Long-lasting flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Janais Patch, Texan Crescentspot
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: High

Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Texan Crescent
(Anthanassa texana)

Larval Host
Learn more at BAMONA

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds , Softwood Cuttings
Description: The easiest method of propagation is to take cuttings from the current season’s growth. Cut a 4 – 6 inch branch just below a node. Remove lower leaves and root in flats or small pots. Seeds can be planted in flats or outside, after the danger of frost has past. Sowing indoors allows for a sturdier plant to withstand mid-summer’s heat. Plant seeds 1/3 – 1/2 inch deep in a well-drained soil mix. Keep soil moist but not saturated.
Seed Collection: As soon as capsules begin to dry and turn brown but before they split open. Air dry and store in a cool, dry place for one season. Dust with insecticide.
Commercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Pruning in winter encourages more blooms and a compact shape.
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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: Hi.. I live in Southwest Austin and I am looking for a shrub that I can plant against the back of my house, which faces the north. I want something native, fairly low maintenance and not too large, as I would like them to be under the windows. I have several oaks in my backyard I get part-shade/part-sun. Thanks, Cindi
click here to view the full question and answer

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
* Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-21
Research By: TWC Staff, MWJ, JSC

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