Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Desert Honeysuckle, Anisacanthus thurberi

Desert Honeysuckle Anisacanthus thurberi	Desert Honeysuckle Anisacanthus thurberi

Desert Honeysuckle Anisacanthus thurberi, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), Desert Honeysuckle: Also called; Chuparosa, Muicle. Desert Honeysuckle is a hardy, perennial, deciduous, shrub that grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, with a rounded to irregular shape. Its red-orange tube-shaped flowers occur in terminal spikes on the main stems and short lateral stems. It blooms mainly in the summer and fall. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It takes reflective heat, sun, or part shade and is hardy to about -3° F. It is pool friendly since it has low litter and no thorns. Desert Honeysuckle or Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle is not commonly available from nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by Bare Root, Container and Seed. If you allow the pods to dry on the plant, you can break them open to collect the seeds. Height: Up To 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Flowers: On 8 inch long spikes. Red - Orange, nearly 1 1/4 inches long, with a narrow tube and throat and spreading lobes, 4 petal lobes, two stamens, and one long, white pistil. Blooming Time: March to June and October to December. Leaves: Rich - green, simple, smooth-edged, elliptical to linear up to 2 1/2 inches long. Found: Native to Chihuahuan Desert, south Arizona, northern Mexico. 2,500 to 5,500 feet elevation. Elevation: Will grow at 0 - 5,500 Feet. Habitat: Canyons and along washes, to 5,500 feet. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken . Hardy to about -3°F. Great xeriscape plant.