Botanical Name: Acalypha californica
Common Name: California copperleaf
Type of Plant: dicot: subshrub
Character evergreen
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape a small, erect to sprawling plant, with slender stems forming a loose rounded canopy if unpruned
Height 1' - 3' (5')
Spread equal or more
Growth Rate slow-moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade inland
Soil prefers well-draining habitats; tolerates clay soils
Hardiness Zones 11-24: requires warm low-elevation sites
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, broadly ovate-rounded, with crenate to somewhat dentate margins; ½" - 1" long, somewhat hairy, coarse-textured
Flowers dull reddish-copper, tiny, in small, mostly terminal catkins; May-July, intermittent
Fruit a capsule: small, 3-seeded, enclosed in a leafy bract
 
Propagation:
seed; softwood cuttings
 
Usage:
an attractive low filler, border or hedge plant, used for the copper-red hue produced by the profusion of tiny flowers; easily sheared for usage in formal-style gardens; slope plantings
 
Landscape Care:
Watering periodic deep soakings; thrives when watered every 2-3 weeks during summer; is very drought-tolerant after established
Fertilizing little is needed
Pruning to shape desired; head back after flowering to promote new fuller growth; can be sheared
Pests/Diseases relatively few
Special Conditions/Other damaged by frost below 28 deg. F
 
Origin: San Diego County
Family: Euphorbiaceae

Notes:
 
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