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California copperleaf
Scientific Name: Acalypha californica
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Copperleaf (Acalypha californica)
The Acalypha californica is a flowering shrub commonly known as California copperleaf. It is also sometimes referred to by the older name, Pringle three-seeded mercury.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Acalypha californica is also known as "hierba del cancer" in some areas. While this doesn't definitively indicate toxicity, it suggests historical uses that might warrant further investigation before allowing pets to interact with the plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Acalypha californica
- Common Name: California copperleaf
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Classification: Dicot
- Synonym: Pringle three-seeded mercury (older name)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to California.
- Also found outside of California, including Sonora, Mexico, west to San Diego County.
- Habitat: arroyos
Morphological Characteristics
- Herbaceous perennial
- Typically grows to about 1-2 feet tall and wide.
- Foliage is green with red coloring.
- New growth is reddish.
- Red flowers bloom throughout the spring, and intermittently the rest of the year.
- Life form: shrub, low.
Ecological Role
- The text indicates that this is the only species of the Acalypha genus in California.
Further Information
- UC Theodore Payne California Native Plant Database
- Tree of Life Nursery, San Juan Capistrano, CA
- Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association Sonoran Desert Plants
- Discover Life
- Calflora.net
- Dave's Garden