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Copperleafs (Acalypha)
Copperleafs are flowering plants that are mostly native to tropical and subtropical regions. Copperleafs are named as so because many species in the genus have leaves and stems that turn a brilliant, coppery shade of red during the fall. While some species are grown for their foliage, others are grown for their vibrant racemes. Whatever the case, copperleafs are great additions to any garden.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Copperleafs
Feedback
Attributes of Copperleafs
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
2 m
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Copperleafs
Distribution of Copperleafs
Feedback
Distribution Map of Copperleafs
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Copperleafs
Feedback
Copperleafs plants, of the Euphorbiaceae family, have diverse care needs but generally require well-drained soil, moderate watering, and access to bright, indirect light. They prefer warm temperatures but may be sensitive to frost or extremely hot conditions. Basic care may be interrupted by challenges like pests, including mealybugs and spider mites, as well as fungal diseases, particularly if overwatered. Seasonally, copperleafs may need protective measures for colder months, while ensuring ample ventilation and shielding from harsh summer sun.
How to Water Copperleafs?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Copperleafs?
How to Propagate Copperleafs?
How to Plant Copperleafs?
Exploring the Copperleafs Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Copperleaf
Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) is an evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Islands. Copperleaf is a popular outdoor plant used for ornamental cultivation due to its brightly colored leaves. It is particularly popular in Florida in the United States.
Common three-seeded mercury
The common three-seeded mercury is considered a weed and has a wide distribution in the United States everywhere East of the Rocky Mountains. The name of this plant comes from Greek mythology and references the small bracts surrounding the flowers that resemble Mercury’s winged sandals.
Red hot cat's tail
Red hot cat's tail (Acalypha hispida) is an evergreen shrub that grows in tropical climates. Red hot cat's tail is named for the French word, Chenille, meaning caterpillar. This is due to its fuzzy red flowers that resemble a caterpillar. This plant grows best in full sunlight.
Hornbeam copperleaf
Hornbeam copperleaf (Acalypha persimilis) is summer annual that grows from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has large leaves and male and female flowers growing on the same bush. Cylindrical spikes with dense masses of tiny white flowers bloom from summer to fall. Female flowers are replaced by seed capsules that open when ripe and are dispersed by wind. This species prefers full sun to partial shade.
Virginia threeseed mercury
Virginia threeseed mercury (Acalypha virginica) is an herbaceous annual plant native to the eastern United States. Virginia threeseed mercury grows in woodlands and riverbank environments. This plant is considered an ecologically secure species, and is not endangered.
Dwarf chenille
The dwarf chenille is a flowering plant native to southern Florida with fuzzy red flower spikes that look like cat’s tails. It is widely grown as ornamentals in parks and small gardens, and it is frequently used in hanging baskets. This plant does well in a monsoonal setting.
Asian copperleaf
Asian copperleaf or Acalypha australis is a perennial weed with spikes of small, copper-red flowers. Once thought to be found only in the New York area, this weed has also been discovered throughout the United States.
Indian acalypha
The foliage of the indian acalypha (Acalypha indica) grows wild in balmy areas around the equator. The foliage contains hydrocyanic acid, which is incredibly poisonous, so extreme caution should be had when handling this plant. It grows as a weed in the poor soils along roadsides and has little to no ornamental value in the landscape.
All Species of Copperleafs
Copperleaf
Copperleaf
Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) is an evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Islands. Copperleaf is a popular outdoor plant used for ornamental cultivation due to its brightly colored leaves. It is particularly popular in Florida in the United States.
Common three-seeded mercury
Common three-seeded mercury
The common three-seeded mercury is considered a weed and has a wide distribution in the United States everywhere East of the Rocky Mountains. The name of this plant comes from Greek mythology and references the small bracts surrounding the flowers that resemble Mercury’s winged sandals.
Red hot cat's tail
Red hot cat's tail
Red hot cat's tail (Acalypha hispida) is an evergreen shrub that grows in tropical climates. Red hot cat's tail is named for the French word, Chenille, meaning caterpillar. This is due to its fuzzy red flowers that resemble a caterpillar. This plant grows best in full sunlight.
Hornbeam copperleaf
Hornbeam copperleaf
Hornbeam copperleaf (Acalypha persimilis) is summer annual that grows from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has large leaves and male and female flowers growing on the same bush. Cylindrical spikes with dense masses of tiny white flowers bloom from summer to fall. Female flowers are replaced by seed capsules that open when ripe and are dispersed by wind. This species prefers full sun to partial shade.
Virginia threeseed mercury
Virginia threeseed mercury
Virginia threeseed mercury (Acalypha virginica) is an herbaceous annual plant native to the eastern United States. Virginia threeseed mercury grows in woodlands and riverbank environments. This plant is considered an ecologically secure species, and is not endangered.
Dwarf chenille
Dwarf chenille
The dwarf chenille is a flowering plant native to southern Florida with fuzzy red flower spikes that look like cat’s tails. It is widely grown as ornamentals in parks and small gardens, and it is frequently used in hanging baskets. This plant does well in a monsoonal setting.
Asian copperleaf
Asian copperleaf
Asian copperleaf or Acalypha australis is a perennial weed with spikes of small, copper-red flowers. Once thought to be found only in the New York area, this weed has also been discovered throughout the United States.
Indian acalypha
Indian acalypha
The foliage of the indian acalypha (Acalypha indica) grows wild in balmy areas around the equator. The foliage contains hydrocyanic acid, which is incredibly poisonous, so extreme caution should be had when handling this plant. It grows as a weed in the poor soils along roadsides and has little to no ornamental value in the landscape.
Firetail chenille plant
Firetail chenille plant
The common name (Firetail chenille plant) of this peculiar plant comes from its blooms. The tiny red flowers are shaped as fuzzy, elongated red clusters that resemble caterpillars or tiny (and fiery) cattails. Besides the obvious and unusual attractiveness, firetail chenille plant is also a prolific bloomer, blooming year-round if it is given enough light.
Acalypha brachystachya
Acalypha brachystachya
Acalypha brachystachya is a tropical shrub notable for its short, spiked inflorescences, which distinguish it from similar species. It thrives in warm, humid climates, its leaves often dark green with serrated edges. The plant's modest stature allows it to adapt to understory environments, where it captures filtered sunlight effectively.
Toothed bract indian copperleaf
Toothed bract indian copperleaf
Toothed bract indian copperleaf features elongated leaves with a pointed tip, resembling slender lance heads which contribute to its name. This shrub thrives in warm, tropical conditions, often displaying small, inconspicuous flowers. It has adapted well to its environment with a robust, bushy growth habit, allowing it to effectively compete for sunlight and nutrients.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Copperleafs
Acalypha
Copperleafs are flowering plants that are mostly native to tropical and subtropical regions. Copperleafs are named as so because many species in the genus have leaves and stems that turn a brilliant, coppery shade of red during the fall. While some species are grown for their foliage, others are grown for their vibrant racemes. Whatever the case, copperleafs are great additions to any garden.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Key Facts About Copperleafs
Feedback
Attributes of Copperleafs
Plant Height
2 m
Spread
2 m
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Copperleafs
Distribution of Copperleafs
Feedback
Distribution Map of Copperleafs
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Copperleafs
Feedback
Copperleafs plants, of the Euphorbiaceae family, have diverse care needs but generally require well-drained soil, moderate watering, and access to bright, indirect light. They prefer warm temperatures but may be sensitive to frost or extremely hot conditions. Basic care may be interrupted by challenges like pests, including mealybugs and spider mites, as well as fungal diseases, particularly if overwatered. Seasonally, copperleafs may need protective measures for colder months, while ensuring ample ventilation and shielding from harsh summer sun.
How to Water Copperleafs?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Copperleafs?
How to Propagate Copperleafs?
How to Plant Copperleafs?
Exploring the Copperleafs Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Copperleaf
Copperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana) is an evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Islands. Copperleaf is a popular outdoor plant used for ornamental cultivation due to its brightly colored leaves. It is particularly popular in Florida in the United States.
Common three-seeded mercury
The common three-seeded mercury is considered a weed and has a wide distribution in the United States everywhere East of the Rocky Mountains. The name of this plant comes from Greek mythology and references the small bracts surrounding the flowers that resemble Mercury’s winged sandals.
Red hot cat's tail
Red hot cat's tail (Acalypha hispida) is an evergreen shrub that grows in tropical climates. Red hot cat's tail is named for the French word, Chenille, meaning caterpillar. This is due to its fuzzy red flowers that resemble a caterpillar. This plant grows best in full sunlight.
Hornbeam copperleaf
Hornbeam copperleaf (Acalypha persimilis) is summer annual that grows from 30 to 61 cm tall. It has large leaves and male and female flowers growing on the same bush. Cylindrical spikes with dense masses of tiny white flowers bloom from summer to fall. Female flowers are replaced by seed capsules that open when ripe and are dispersed by wind. This species prefers full sun to partial shade.
Show More Species
All Species of Copperleafs
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
