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.

California copperleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acalypha californica

Last reviewed: November 2026

California copperleaf (Acalypha californica) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA. It blooms in March, April, May, and June. The flowers draw small native bees and flies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for California copperleaf, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

California copperleaf (Acalypha californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like California copperleaf.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A 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.

Growing California copperleaf

Grow California copperleaf in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow California copperleaf? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app