Accession Count: 9
Common Name:
Mexican flame
Family Name:
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name:
Anisacanthus quadrifidus
Sub Species:
Variety:
wrightii
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Mexican flame has opposite, entire, lanceolate leaves that are one and a half inches long. The species is winter deciduous and is classified as a shrub.
Compound:
Ani qua wri
Geographic Origin:
North Mexico, Southwest US
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Anisacanthus quadrifidus is native to North Mexico, and Southwest US. From its native habitat in rocky banks, floodplains, streams, shrublands (matorral), and grasslands this variety of species, Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii, has been distributed from south-central Texas (the southern Edwards Plateau) and west Texas into northern Mexico (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Full sun promotes the best flowering. Long-blooming shrub. Cut 6-12 inches above the ground in winter for a fuller bush with more flowers in summer and fall. Drought tolerant, but will be lusher and flower longer with some summer and fall water.
Ethnobotany:
The Mexican flame has a valued look when planted with evergreen plants or agaves. The landscape is best recommended for rock gardens. The species also attracts hummingbirds when in bloom.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Orange
Function:
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Toxicity:
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
- Mielke, Judy. Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. University of Texas Press, 1993.
- wildflower.org
