Flame acanthus
Anisacanthus quadrifidus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) is a perennial shrub native to TX. It blooms in June, July, August, September, and October. The flowers draw hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–48" H × 36"–48" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
TX
Pollinators
hummingbirds, butterflies, bees
Before you buy
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An airy, deciduous shrub with narrow, willow-like leaves and loose clusters of tubular orange-red flowers on open, arching branches. Its light, informal habit fills out quickly in the warm season.
Growing Flame acanthus
Grow Flame acanthus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 48 inches tall and spread 36 to 48 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Flame acanthus is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
- loose, open habit benefits from occasional pruning to stay tidy
Wildlife value
Host plant for Texan crescent.
Tubular flowers are a strong late-summer hummingbird draw, and the foliage serves as a larval host plant for a native butterfly.
Common questions
- How much sun does Flame acanthus need?
- Flame acanthus grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Flame acanthus bloom?
- Flame acanthus blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Flame acanthus native?
- Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Flame acanthus host?
- Flame acanthus is a larval host plant for Texan crescent.
- Is Flame acanthus HOA-friendly?
- Flame acanthus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Flame acanthus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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