Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi)

Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus therberi). Image by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Desert Honeysuckle
• Common Spanish Names: Chuparosa, Muicle
• Scientific Name: Anisacanthus thurberi (ana-say-CAN-thus THUR-ber-aye)
• Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
• Geographic Range: Southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico; Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico, in rocky canyons and along sandy washes.
• Plant Form: Deciduous shrub, 6' x 6'.
• Remarks: Spring bloomer with lesser summer and fall displays of rust-red to gold tubular flowers. New stems erect, sprawling with age. Excellent hummingbird plant. Low water, full sun for best flowers but also light partial shade, hardy to 15° F. Prefers well drained soil. Prune severely every few years to renew.

Last Update: 28 Jul 2002