Bear's Breech
Acanthus mollis
Also known as Bear's Breeches, Artist's Acanthus, Oak-leaf Bear's-breeches
Climate Match for your location
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A robust Mediterranean perennial with deeply lobed, architectural foliage and tall spikes of white or purple flowers. It is grown mainly as a structural ornamental for its dramatic form and deer resistance; its leaves have a traditional medicinal use.
Why grow it
Bear's breech offers architectural foliage and height (3-4 feet) that distinguishes it from softer-textured perennials in mixed borders. Unlike many Mediterranean plants, it tolerates partial shade and heavy clay soils, making it useful where drought-tolerant options are limited. Its deep root system can help break compacted soil, though it requires established plants (2+ years) to deliver meaningful soil improvement.
Watch out for
The plant spreads readily from root fragments and self-seeding in mild climates, so divide clumps every few years to manage spread. Foliage can look ragged by late summer in hot, dry conditions; cutting back hard after flowering promotes tidier regrowth. In areas with hard freezes, mulch around the crown to protect emerging shoots in early spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Acanthaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Latifolius' has broader, more deeply cut leaves and is more vigorous; 'Tasmanian Angel' is a compact white-flowered form suitable for smaller spaces.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A robust Mediterranean perennial with deeply lobed, architectural foliage and tall spikes of white or purple flowers. It is grown mainly as a structural ornamental for its dramatic form and deer resistance; its leaves have a traditional medicinal use.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bear's Breech grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bear's breech offers architectural foliage and height (3-4 feet) that distinguishes it from softer-textured perennials in mixed borders. Unlike many Mediterranean plants, it tolerates partial shade and heavy clay soils, making it useful where drought-tolerant options are limited. Its deep root system can help break compacted soil, though it requires established plants (2+ years) to deliver meaningful soil improvement.
Watch out for
The plant spreads readily from root fragments and self-seeding in mild climates, so divide clumps every few years to manage spread. Foliage can look ragged by late summer in hot, dry conditions; cutting back hard after flowering promotes tidier regrowth. In areas with hard freezes, mulch around the crown to protect emerging shoots in early spring.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Acanthaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Latifolius' has broader, more deeply cut leaves and is more vigorous; 'Tasmanian Angel' is a compact white-flowered form suitable for smaller spaces.