How much sun does Virginia Copperleaf need?

Virginia Copperleaf grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Virginia Copperleaf bloom?

Virginia Copperleaf blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Virginia Copperleaf native?

Virginia Copperleaf (Acalypha virginica) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Virginia Copperleaf toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Virginia Copperleaf as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Virginia Copperleaf attract?

Virginia Copperleaf draws beetles and flies.

Is Virginia Copperleaf HOA-friendly?

Virginia Copperleaf takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Virginia Copperleaf

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Acalypha virginica

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Virginia Copperleaf as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Virginia copperleaf is a native annual wildflower that grows in small, upright clumps with attractive reddish-tinged foliage. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes from summer through fall and naturally reseeds in favorable conditions. This compact plant works well as a filler in naturalized areas or mixed native plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Appears weedy and wild to many homeowners
Annual nature means gaps in planting
Self-seeding can create irregular patches

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract beetles and flies during the summer months. As a native annual, it provides habitat and food sources for various insects throughout its growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Virginia Copperleaf need?: Virginia Copperleaf grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Virginia Copperleaf bloom?: Virginia Copperleaf blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Virginia Copperleaf native?: Virginia Copperleaf (Acalypha virginica) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 26 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Virginia Copperleaf toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Virginia Copperleaf as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Virginia Copperleaf attract?: Virginia Copperleaf draws beetles and flies.
Is Virginia Copperleaf HOA-friendly?: Virginia 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Virginia Copperleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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