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Anderson, Wynn

Anisacanthus linearis

Anisacanthus linearis (Hagen) Henrickson & Lott

Big Bend Anisacanthus, Narrowleaf Desert Honeysuckle, Dwarf Anisacanthus, Chisos Anisacanthus

Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)

Synonym(s): Anisacanthus insignis var. linearis

USDA Symbol: ANLI3

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

From the Image Gallery

2 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub , Vine
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Opposite
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate , Linear , Ovate
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Inflorescence: Raceme
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Typically 5-8 feet in height and width. Individuals may approach 10 feet in height.
Fruit: Subpyriform capsule.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red , Orange , Yellow
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Bloom Notes: Flower color varies among individual plants from red to orange to yellow.

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Distribution: A Chihuahuan Desert endemic, native to Brewster County in the Big Bend region of Texas and in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon.
Native Habitat: In canyons and along dry stream beds and arroyos. (Webref 1).

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Garden ornamental given enough space to spread. Heat and drought tolerant.
Use Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Nectar Source: yes

Web Reference

Webref 1 - Texas Native Shrubs (2002) Texas A&M University Agriculture Program and Leslie Finical, Dallas Arboretum

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-07-18
Research By: Joseph A. Marcus

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