Dwarf Anisacanthus (Anisacanthus linearis)

Flowers of Anisacanthus linearis. Photograph by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Dwarf Anisacanthus, Littleleaf Anisacanthus, Narrow-leafed Hummingbird Bush, Chisos Acanthus, Flame Acanthus
• Common Spanish Names: Muicle
• Scientific Name: Anisacanthus linearis (an-ih-say-CAN-thus lin-ee-AIR-is). (Formerly A. insignis var. linearis)
• Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
• Geographic Range: Texas in Hudspeth and Brewster cos. and adjacent Coahuila, Mexico, in brushy canyons and arroyos.
• Plant Form: Deciduous shrub, 5' x 5'.
• Remarks: Prolonged display of long tubular, orange-red flowers with re-curved linear lobes in summer and fall on numerous twiggy branches with sparse foliage of thin linear leaves. Excellent hummingbird plant. Low water, full sun, hardy to 15°. Prefers well draining soil.

Last Update: 28 Jul 2002