Virginia Copperleaf
Acalypha virginica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Virginia Copperleaf (Acalypha virginica) 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.
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
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Virginia Copperleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz