SCIENTIFIC NAME: Acanthus spinosus

COMMON NAME: Spiny Bear's-breeches

FAMILY: Acanthaceae

TYPE: Perennial

LEAVES: Simple, opposite with spiny leaf margins. Lanceolate with 10" diameter. Usually evergreen.

FLOWERS: Flowers are held in long, erect spikes.

SEASON OF BLOOM: Late spring.

GROWTH HABIT: Can be 3' tall and 3' wide.

SOIL: Must be well drained.

SUN: Full sun to partial shade.

HARDINESS: Zone 7 – 10.

UTILIZATION: Very ornamental foliage and statuesque flowers.

DISEASE: None serious.

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: None serious.

PROPAGATION: 2-3" root cuttings in the spring or fresh seed.

MAINTENANCE: Leaves may become tattered in severe winter.

NOTES: A. spinosus tolerates warm humid summers better than the more available species A. mollis.