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Anisacanthus thurberi (Torr.) Gray

Chuparosa, Desert honeysuckle, Thurber's desert honeysuckle

Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)

Synonyms: Drejera thurberi

USDA Symbol: anth2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Thurber’s desert-honeysuckle or chuparosa is a 5-8 ft. shrub with stout branches with white, exfoliating bark. Tubular red flowers, sometimes yellow or orange, are followed by a several-seeded pod.

The lovely red flowers superficially resemble those of honeysuckles (family Caprifoliaceae), but this plant is in the acanthus family (Acanthaceae). Members of this family are characterized by their seeds, which are borne on hooked projections.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 6-12 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM
Native Distribution: S.w. NM, AZ & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Rocky banks; floodplains; 2500 to 5500 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Bloom period is primarily in spring, but flowers will appear throughout the year, depending on available moisture.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX

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 thurberi in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Anisacanthus thurberi in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Anisacanthus thurberi

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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