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Slender Copperleaf

Acalypha gracilens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slender Copperleaf (Acalypha gracilens)
Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Slender Copperleaf (Acalypha gracilens) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Acalypha gracilens is a slender annual herb that grows 1-3 feet tall with inconspicuous flowers from summer through early fall. This native plant has a delicate, upright growth habit and provides subtle texture in garden settings. It thrives in partial sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender Copperleaf takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Inconspicuous flowers may appear weedy
  • Annual nature creates gaps in plantings
  • Can look sparse or unkempt

Wildlife value

This plant attracts bees and beetles during its summer blooming period. As a native annual, it provides nectar resources when many other plants are dormant.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Copperleaf need?
Slender Copperleaf grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Slender Copperleaf bloom?
Slender Copperleaf blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Slender Copperleaf native?
Slender Copperleaf (Acalypha gracilens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Slender Copperleaf attract?
Slender Copperleaf draws bees and beetles.
Is Slender Copperleaf HOA-friendly?
Slender Copperleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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