Hummingbird Bush (Anisacanthus puberulus)

Pinky Anisacanthus (Anisacanthus puberulus). Image by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Pinky Anisacanthus, Pink Hummingbird Bush
• Common Spanish Names: Muicle
• Scientific Name: Anisacanthus puberulus (Ann-ih-say-CAN-thus pu-BAIR-ru-lus) (Formerly A. insignis)
• Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
• Geographic Range: Big Bend of Texas in Brewster and Presidio cos. and adjacent Chihuahua and Coahuila, Mexico, on rocky banks of arroyos and sandy washes.
• Plant Form: Deciduous shrub, 6' H x 6' W.
• Remarks: Numerous long, pink, tubular flowers with re-curved linear lobes in early spring before new foliage appears on long, semi-woody, spreading to decumbent stems. Occasional light blooming in summer and fall. Good hummingbird plant. Low water, full sun, hardy to 15°. Prefers well draining soil. Prune severely every few years to renew.

Last Update: 9 Jan 2003