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Acanthus mollis
bear's breech
Mediterranean region — southern Europe, northwestern Africa; rocky hillsides, open woodlands, and disturbed sites
Overview
Acanthus mollis is bear's breech (oyster plant), a clumping semi-evergreen perennial growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) tall (in bloom) and 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m) wide. Glossy dark green deeply pinnately lobed soft-textured leaves 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) — mollis = soft. White tubular flowers 1.5 inches (4 cm) with purple-green hooded bracts in dense upright terminal spikes 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) above the foliage in May-July. In Acanthaceae spp.. Native to the Mediterranean region. The deeply lobed leaf is the model for the acanthus leaf motif on Corinthian column capitals in classical architecture. Spreads by thick fleshy roots — any root fragment left in the soil regenerates into a new plant. This aggressive root spread is the primary maintenance limitation. Once established, the plant is difficult to remove completely. Goes summer-dormant (foliage dies back) in hot dry climates without irrigation — new foliage emerges with fall rains. In cool-summer climates, foliage persists through summer. Snails and slugs feed on the leaves. Toxic (contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals). Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant once established. Zones 5-9. Part shade to full sun. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to the Mediterranean region — southern Europe and northwestern Africa. Found on rocky hillsides, open woodlands, and disturbed sites.Suggested Uses
Grown in mixed borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, and dry shade sites spaced 3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 m). Large deeply lobed foliage. Spreads aggressively by roots — contain or give ample space. Goes summer-dormant without water. Toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White with purple-green hooded bracts, tubular, 1.5 inches (4 cm), in dense upright terminal spikes 12-18 inches (30-45 cm)Foliage Description
Glossy dark green, deeply pinnately lobed, 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) long, soft-textured (mollis = soft); semi-evergreen — retains foliage in mild winters (zones 8-9), dies back in zones 5-7Growing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Part shade to full sun (3-6 hours — afternoon shade in hot climates). Well-drained soil pH 6.0-7.5. Drought-tolerant once established — goes summer-dormant without water in hot dry climates. Spreads aggressively by fleshy roots — difficult to remove once established. Snails and slugs on foliage. Prune dead foliage in early spring (February-March). Toxic (contact dermatitis). Deer-resistant. Zones 5-9.Pruning
Cut spent flower spikes to the base after bloom. Remove tattered summer-dormant foliage in fall. In cold climates (zones 5-7), remove dead foliage in early spring (February-March) before new growth emerges. Divide and remove unwanted root spread.Pruning Schedule
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early spring