Common Name:
round copperleaf
Family Name:
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name:
Acalypha monostachya
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
'Raspberry Fuzzies'
Characteristics:
Round Copperleaf is a fast to moderately growing, spreading herbaceous perennial or subshrub native to the Chihuahuan Desert region of Texas and northern Mexico (1, 2, 3, 4). Typically reaching 0.5-1 ft (15-30 cm) in height and up to 3-4 ft (100-120 cm) in width, it forms a low, mounded groundcover (1, 3). The plant features small, round to heart-shaped green or gray-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, occasionally turning copper-colored in hot, dry conditions (1, 3). Flowers appear from spring to fall (March to November) and are fuzzy, thread-like structures in shades of hot pink to red, made up of tiny stamens and styles (1, 2, 3, 4).
Compound:
Aca mon
Geographic Origin:
South Texas; Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Acalypha monostachya is native to central and south Texas, including the Trans-Pecos region, and extends into northern Mexico (1, 3). It is a xerophytic species adapted to desert climates and is part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Formerly grouped with Acalypha hederacea and sometimes referred to as Acalypha anemioides, the species has undergone taxonomic revision, with synonyms reflecting its historical treatment in herbarium and horticultural records (1, 3). It is evergreen in regions without frost but will fully defoliate after freezing temperatures and reemerge in spring, often one of the last to leaf out in the garden (3).
Cultivation Notes:
This plant is popular in xeriscaping and dry rock gardens as a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant groundcover (1, 2). It is suitable for USDA Zones 8–11 and tolerates extreme heat, reflected sun, and poor soils (2, 3). While it grows best in part-shade, it adapts to full sun with minimal water once established—watering just once or twice a month in shade (3). It tolerates a wide range of soils including sandy, rocky, clay, and loam, with pH from 6.1 to 8.5 (1, 3, 4). In the first year, regular watering is needed until established. It should be pruned to the ground in late winter after frost (1, 3). It is propagated easily by seed or root division—transplanting rooted sections yields quick establishment (3). The plant is deciduous in colder climates and dies back completely with frost but is root-hardy to about 10°F (USDA Zone 8), regenerating in spring (2, 3, 4).
Ethnobotany:
While no direct ethnobotanical uses are extensively documented, the plant’s ornamental use in low-water gardens is well established, and its seeds are noted to attract birds, suggesting a minor role in wildlife support (3). No toxicity has been reported (3).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Red
Function:
Habitat
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
