Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii): Butterfly and Hummingbird Magnet for Summer

Drought-tolerant landscapes glow with bright green foliage and orange splashes wherever flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii) grows. Nectar-rich blossoms draw butterflies and hummingbirds all season.

Don’t let delicate appearance fool you. This Southwestern native handles intense summer heat and temperatures down to 0°F (−17.8°C) effortlessly. Plant this medium shrubby perennial in sun for nonstop flowering from late spring to early fall.

Quick Reference

• Botanical name: Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (syn. Anisacanthus wrightii)
• Common names: Flame acanthus, hummingbird bush, Wright’s desert honeysuckle, Texas firecracker
• Origin: Southwestern Texas, northern Mexico
• Hardiness: 0°F / −17.8°C (USDA Zone 7)
• Water: Drought-tolerant; water every 1–2 weeks late spring–early fall, every 3–4 weeks in winter
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature size: 3–5 ft tall and wide
• Benefits: Drought-tolerant; attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; moderately deer-resistant
• Seasonal interest: Tubular orange flowers late spring to early fall
• When to plant: Spring or fall

Distinguishing Traits

Bright green leaves (2 in long, ¾ in wide) appear on olive-gray stems in late spring, followed by tubular orange flowers. Branches lose leaves in winter, remain leafless until late spring.

Bloom quantity directly relates to sun exposure—more sun = more flowers. Each flower ~1½ in long, opening to star shape at tip. Hummingbirds and butterflies seek nectar.

‘Mexican Fire’ is a popular variety with darker foliage and flowers.

How to Use It

Perfect for patios, perennial beds, poolside. Place where you can observe visiting butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plant in back of perennial beds for maximum orange blossom impact. Lower growers in front: angelita daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis), blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana), purple trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis).

For contrasting colors, pair with purple-flowering Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) or coneflower (Echinacea spp.).

Airy habit adds texture contrast beside larger-leaved plants or boulders.

Flame acanthus as backdrop to damianita.

Anisacanthus thurberi is a close relative, usable similarly. Taller (5–8 ft), red/sometimes yellow/orange flowers earlier in season.

Planting Notes

Plant in well-drained soil. No supplemental fertilizer needed, but appreciates 1-inch mulch layer at base in early spring and again in fall.

Low-maintenance, minimal pruning. Prune to within 6 inches of ground in late winter. Light early summer pruning to control size if desired. Avoid late summer pruning—reduces blooming.