This genus is the largest genus in the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family. However, the genus does not have the latex that is usually found in spurges. There are 431 species in this genus some of which are native to the US. Its members can be annuals, perennials, houseplants, shrubs, small trees, or even ground covers. They are found all over the world but mostly in tropical and subtropical areas. The genus name comes from the Greek word for "nettle" as the leaves resemble those of nettles. They are often grown as ornamentals for their foliage and they have very showy pendulous inflorescences. Generally, they require low to medium maintenance with similar requirements for watering. They are best used as an accent plant as the very showy leaves make them stand out. Plant too many and they can overpower your other plantings. Those with less showy leaves can also be used as a hedge along a border or near a patio or pool. Some plants also work well in containers or having their inflorescence dangle from a hanging basket. In cooler climates, they are grown as a houseplant. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. VIDEO Created by Laura Barth for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti," a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
The leaves of this genus come in all sizes, from just over 1inch to 8 inches long. The same is true of the shape. The leaves can be heart shaped, elliptical to lanceolate, oblong and even rhomboidal. But no matter the size or shape they are all simple and carried alternately with a rough, nettle-like surface. Some have stipules; some have crenated or serrated edges; some have palmate venation and others pennate (arranged on each side of the midvein similarly to the barbs of a feather). The one we use in the garden frequently have leaves that are mottled in combinations of green, purple, yellow, orange, pink or white, but usually the leaves are green - light, mid or dark. Most species have leaves that turn reddish brown in the autumn, hence the common name 'Copperleaf'.
Fall color
Brown/Copper
Flower color
Pink; Red/Burgundy
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Catkin; Spike
Flower size
> 6 inches
Flower detail
The flowers of this genus are quite small but the inflorescences can be as long as 18 inches. The most common inflorescence is a flaccid spike that appears in the axis of the leaves or at the end of a branch. These hang down in a very attractive way, especially when the flowers are in the shades of red through pink. There are some species with non-showy, short greenish yellow inflorescences. The plants are usually monoecious (both male and female parts on the same plant), but some are dioecious (female parts on one plant; male parts on another)
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Small 3-lobed capsule which splits and falls when ripe. Each lobe has one seed. These fruit are sometimes eaten by birds.
Stem color
Brown/Copper; Green
Stem detail
The stems of this genus are straight, sparsely pubescent, branched and usually green or reddish brown.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
North America to tropical and subtropical regions
Distribution
The plant can be found in North, Central and South America; Hawaii; Northwestern and Southern Africa; the Saudi Peninsula; Europe; China; India; Indonesia and Australia.
Wildlife value
The seeds are eaten by birds. Acalypha filiformis is a host to the Neptis Frobena butterfly.
Attracts
Butterflies
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Uses (ethnobotany)
The Cherokee use the plant to treat kidney ailments, dropsy, pox and gravel.