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Acalypha radians
Acalypha radians Torr.
Cardinal's Feather, Cardinal Feather
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: acra
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 16 inches tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov
Distribution
USA: TXGrowing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Heat Tolerant: yes
Conditions Comments: Cardinal feather is a low, clump-forming plant that blooms nearly half of the year. The plants are either male or female flowers. The male flowers are found on long tubular spikes, while the female flowers grow on shorter spikes interspersed with green bracts. The stems are densely pubescent. Cardinal feather provides interesting texture in a planted garden, be careful however not to let larger plants crowd it. Requires good drainage. Best leaf color in full sun.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Good in rock gardens and sunny area ground cover.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: Minimal
Propagation
Propagation Material: Softwood CuttingsDescription: If stock plants are kept in the greenhouse over the winter, plants can be cut back and cuttings can be taken at any time. Plants kept outside may not be well emerged by early April.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 1107 Collected Jun 30, 1992 in Bexar County by Curt WalkerNPSOT 0135 Collected Sept. 17, 1991 in Bexar County by Lottie Millsaps
Bibliography
Bibref 286 - Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country (1989) Enquist, M.Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1994 VOL. 11, NO.6 - Wildflower Center Featured Non-Profit in Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, Dana Leav...Additional resources
USDA: Find Acalypha radians in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Acalypha radians in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Acalypha radians
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-03Research By: TWC Staff, MWJ