Wikimedia Commons
Acanthaceae
Bear's Breeches
Acanthus mollis
Art and immortality.
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Acanthus
- Native to
- Mediterranean Region, Southern Europe
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 3-5 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- well-drained, tolerates poor soils
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 7-10
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Its leaves inspired the decorative motif on Corinthian column capitals, one of the most influential designs in Western architecture.
- According to Roman architect Vitruvius, the sculptor Callimachus was inspired when he saw acanthus leaves growing around a basket on a grave.
- The plant is nearly impossible to eradicate once established, as it regenerates from even the smallest root fragment.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans used the plant medicinally to treat burns, dislocated joints, and lung diseases.
- William Morris featured acanthus leaves prominently in his influential Arts and Crafts wallpaper and textile designs.
Color meanings
0
art
1
artifice
2
the fine arts