Chenille Plant

Acalypha hispida Burm.

ay-call-LIE-fah HISS-pa-dah

Euphorbiaceae

Explanation of name: Acalypha is an ancient name for nettles, which have similar leaves. Hispida (hispid) refers to long bristly hairs.

Natural range: Tropical Asia

Recognition: Shrub with distinctive long red dangling inflorescences. The plant is dioecious, and the red color of the spikes comes from the reddish, feathery stigmas on the female flowers. Similar, but a small groundcover, is A. pendula.

Landscape uses: A fast-growing brittle shrub valued for eye-catching reddish spikes on the female plants. Used as a specimen plant, clump, or mass. Requires frequent pruning