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Thurber's desert honeysuckle

Scientific Name: Anisacanthus thurberi

Family: Acanthaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi)

Anisacanthus thurberi, commonly known as Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle or Chuparosa, is a woody shrub found primarily in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Despite its name, it is not a true honeysuckle but belongs to the Acanthus family (Acanthaceae).

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a shrub with stout branches.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Anisacanthus thurberi (Torr.) A. Gray
  • Common Names: Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle, Chuparosa, Desert Honeysuckle
  • Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
  • Synonyms: Anisacanthus thurberi (Torr.) A. Gray

Distribution and Habitat

  • Common in Arizona.
  • Found in the western and southwestern United States.
  • Grows in gravelly or rocky areas within desert scrub, grasslands, and juniper or oak woodlands.

Morphology and Growth Habit

  • A 5-8 ft. woody shrub.
  • Stout branches with white, exfoliating bark.
  • Tubular red flowers.
  • Deciduous Shrub - Cut to ground before spring growth to rejuvenate.

Quirky Facts

  • Despite its common name, Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle is not a true honeysuckle and belongs to the Acanthus family.
  • Attracts wildlife, including hummingbirds which frequently visit the plant.

Ecological Role

  • Attracts hummingbirds.
  • Attracts wildlife.

Additional Information

  • Found in Molino Basin Campground in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
  • The plant is available for sale online and offline as plants and seeds.