Common Name: Bear’s Breeches
Botanical Name: Acanthus spinosus
Plant family: Acanthaceae
Location: North Forest Trail
Growing zone: 5-9
Height: 3-4′
Spread: 2-3′
Bloom time: June, July, August
Bloom description: Long tubular flowers are borne on tall spikes. Each flower is whitish in color with a large, flat, mauve top petal or hood.
Leaf type: Acanthus is grown just as much for its attractive foliage as it is for its blooms. Large leaves are a deep glossy green with a deeply cut, thistle-like shape and spines.
Garden uses: Flower spikes are tall and very showy. Wonderful flowering perennial. Not reliably winter hardy in cooler climates.