Acanthus montanus, commonly known as Bear’s Breech or Mountain Thistle, is a perennial herb native to the forest margins and rocky woodlands of West and Central Africa. It typically grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and about 24 inches (61 cm) wide. This plant features basal clusters of oblong to lance-shaped glossy, dark green leaves that can add a lush, tropical feel to the garden. From summer to fall, it produces spikes of pale pink flowers that are moderately showy and attract pollinators. The flowers stand out against the foliage and can add vertical interest to a planting scheme.

Bear’s Breech is valued for its architectural foliage and the textural contrast it provides in a garden setting. It is often used in border plantings, as a focal point in garden designs, or on slopes where its aggressive roots can help control erosion. While it prefers shady situations and occasional deep watering, it is also quite adaptable and can tolerate sunny, dry conditions. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun to part shade, with medium amounts of water, and in soils with medium to fast drainage. Gardeners should be cautious as its roots can be invasive in some conditions, making it difficult to remove once established.CC BY-SA 4.0