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Spiny bear's breech

How to identify Spiny bear's breech (Acanthus spinosus)

Spiny bear's breech, also known as Spiny acanthus

Spiny bear's breech exhibits a distinctive clumping growth habit with deeply lobed, shiny green leaves that are notably adorned with rigid, sharp spines along their margins, reminiscent of thistle plants. The foliage is quite striking, with leaves reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length. This perennial is further characterized by its tall, erect floral spires that bear hooded, white or purplish flowers, encased in bracts, that enliven the plant during the summer months. The architectural form of spiny bear's breech, combined with its spiny leaves, makes it a compelling choice for adding texture to a garden.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Spiny bear's breech

1

Deeply lobed, shiny green leaves with sharp spines along margins.

2

Tall, erect floral spires with hooded white or purplish flowers in bracts.

3

Leaves reaching up to 3 feet (90 cm) in length, glossy and thistle-like.

4

Distinctive vein pattern on leaves contributing to textured appearance.

5

Showy white snapdragon-like blooms with spiny bracts in pink, mauve, and red.

Spiny bear's breechSpiny bear's breechSpiny bear's breechSpiny bear's breechSpiny bear's breech

Detailed Traits of Spiny bear's breech

Leaf Features

The leaves of spiny bear's breech are large, arching, and deeply cut, measuring around 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). They are glossy and thistle-like, emerging from a central rosette. Each leaf is spiny with a bold architectural appearance, featuring sharply pointed lobes. The leaves display a rich, dark green color and have a distinctive vein pattern that contributes to their textured look. The spines and deeply incised margins make them easily distinguishable and a significant identifying feature.

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Flower Features

The flowers of spiny bear's breech are striking, with white, snapdragon-like blooms surrounded by spiny bracts in hues of pink, mauve, and red. Arranged in orderly rows, these flowers form impressive spikes reaching heights of 3-4 feet (90-120 cm). Blooming from late spring to mid-summer, the flowers exhibit a showy and intricate pattern that is both visually appealing and distinctive, making identification straightforward.

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Key Facts About Spiny bear's breech

Attributes of Spiny bear's breech
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
90 cm to 1.2 m
Fruit Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Spiny bear's breech

Family
Acanthus
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Species
Spiny bear's breech (Acanthus spinosus)
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Distribution Map of Spiny bear's breech

The plant spiny bear's breech, natively found in Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean region, thrives in its original habitat. Its growth extends to Northwest Europe and North Africa through naturalization and cultivation, revealing its ability to adapt beyond its indigenous range. Spiny bear's breech is recognized not only for its presence in native landscapes but also its seamless integration into non-native gardens and environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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