Anisacanthus quadrifidus, commonly known as Flame Acanthus, is a deciduous flowering shrub native to the semi-arid regions of Texas and the plains of Mexico, including rocky and dry slopes, grasslands, xerophytic scrub, and Mexican pinyon forests. It is often found on crop banks or in sloped arid areas at elevations ranging from 1500 to 2450 meters (4920 to 8040 ft) above sea level. This shrub typically grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) and spreads to a similar width. It has an upright, multi-stemmed form with slender branches and small, oval leaves. The tubular, bright red to orange flowers bloom from mid-summer to early fall and are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Flame Acanthus is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens. It is also used as an ornamental shrub in borders and as a natural barrier. While it is adaptable to various soil types, it prefers well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure to flourish. Flame Acanthus is drought-tolerant once established and has a low water requirement. It may suffer from frost damage in colder climates, so it is best suited to regions with mild winters.CC BY-SA 4.0