Bear's Breech
Acanthus mollis
- Native to:
- Algeria, East Aegean Is., Greece, Italy, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Sardegna, Sicilia, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Didier Descouens
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Acanthaceae
- Genus:
- Acanthus
- Species:
- Acanthus mollis
- USDA Symbol:
- ACMO8
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soil with organic matter
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 21–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best at 18-21°C. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C. Requires soaking 24-48 hrs; discard floaters.