Acalypha Species, Texas Chenille Plant, Cardinal's Feather, Cardinal’s Guard, Yerba de la Rabia

Acalypharadians

Family
Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Acalypha (ak-uh-LY-fuh)
Species
radians (RAD-ee-anz)
Synonym
Ricinocarpus radians
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Red
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Other Details
Category
Groundcovers
Herbs
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Arlington, Texas

Hempstead, Texas

San Antonio, Texas(2 reports)

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Gardener's Notes:

4
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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C
Cypress, TX | August 2016 | positive

Acalypha radians is a versatile plant. I found a well-established wild stand northwest of Houston easily surviving the months long droug...Read More

F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | August 2006 | positive

Acalypha radians is Endemic to Texas and a very charming plant.

G
San Antonio, TX (Zone 9a) | July 2006 | positive

I agree with htop, this plant thrives in the fields around my place in areas that very little else will grow in during drought conditions...Read More

H
H
San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) | September 2003 | positive

Cardinal feather, sometimes called Texas Chenille plant, is a perennial native to the Texas Edwards Plateau south through the Texas Rio G...Read More

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