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(Acalypha californica)
California Copperleaf (Acalypha californica)
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Tom Wainwright
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Tom Wainwright
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tom Wainwright | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Tom Wainwright | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-03-11T10:34:02-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Acalypha californica, commonly known as California Copperleaf, is a deciduous shrub or subshrub native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of Southern California and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and a similar width. The plant features hairy, juicy, toothed leaves that are light green in color, contrary to what its common name might suggest. The flowers are inconspicuous, with the staminate (male) flowers forming a long spike of tiny red and pink bracts, and the pistillate (female) flowers at the base of the spike, surrounded by green bracts. Flowering occurs in the spring and winter, adding subtle color to the landscape.
California Copperleaf is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care once established. It is also beneficial for attracting wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, to the garden. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it tolerates low water conditions, moderate watering can promote more vigorous growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
California Copperleaf is valued for its drought tolerance and is often used in xeriscaping, native plant gardens, and as a ground cover in dry, sunny areas. It is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal care once established. It is also beneficial for attracting wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, to the garden. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils. While it tolerates low water conditions, moderate watering can promote more vigorous growth.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Subshrub
- Height: 1.5-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions of Southern California and Northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Pringle Threeseeded Mercury
Scientific Names: , Acalypha californica, Acalypha pringlei, Acalypha stokesiae, Ricinocarpus californicus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Acalypha californica Benth.