California copperleaf
Acalypha californica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA
Pollinators
small native bees, flies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA small, drought-deciduous shrub with reddish-tinged, slightly fuzzy leaves and inconspicuous greenish flower spikes. Grows on dry rocky slopes and drops its leaves in the driest part of the year, giving it a bare, twiggy look for part of the season.
Wildlife value
Provides minor nectar and pollen for small native bees and flies during its bloom period.
Common questions
- How much sun does California copperleaf need?
- California copperleaf grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California copperleaf bloom?
- California copperleaf blooms in March, April, May, and June.
- Where is California copperleaf native?
- California copperleaf (Acalypha californica) is native to AZ, CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California copperleaf attract?
- California copperleaf draws small native bees and flies.
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 California copperleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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