Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle
(Anisacanthus thurberi)
Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi)
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Nolan Exe
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Nolan Exe
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Nolan Exe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Nolan Exe | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-04-30T00:59:27-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Anisacanthus thurberi, commonly known as Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle, is a deciduous shrub native to the arid desert scrub and grasslands of the Southwestern USA and Northwestern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 3-9 feet (0.9-2.7 meters), with an open, irregular form that can be pruned to create a denser shape. The plant is notable for its tubular red flowers that bloom in the spring and sometimes again in the fall, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators.
Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. While it is low-maintenance and requires minimal water once established, occasional pruning can promote a more compact growth habit. It is generally pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and wildlife gardens. It is also used for erosion control on slopes. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, tolerating a range of soil types from sandy to loamy. While it is low-maintenance and requires minimal water once established, occasional pruning can promote a more compact growth habit. It is generally pest and disease-free but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 3-9 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Arid desert scrub and grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Desert Honeysuckle
Scientific Names: Anisacanthus thurberi , Drejera thurberi
GBIF Accepted Name: Anisacanthus thurberi (Torr.) Gray