Plant search results - Thorny or spiny

Acanthocereus tetragonus, Acanthocereus pentagonus

Acanthocereus tetragonus is a tall, columnar cactus that reaches a height of 2-7 m. Flowers are open from midnight until dawn, attracting hummingbird moths.

Acanthocereus tetragonus 'Fairy Castles' is a dwarf, columnar, branching, slow growing cactus. The Fairy Castles Cactus is the colorful name by which the plant is marketed and refers to the numerous vertical stems of different heights that resemble spires and turrets.

Acanthostachys strobilacea

Native to Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, Acanthostachys strobilacea (Pinecone Bromeliad) is a small shrub that grows to reach 2-5ft in height. This attractive epiphyte requires a moderate amount of water and semi-shade to grow and thrive, making it the perfect plant for a hanging basket in a sunny or partially-shaded location. Its leaves are a deep green with gray scurf and spines, while its flowers range in color from yellow to orange.

Despite its exotic appearance, Acanthostachys strobilacea is low-maintenance, making it ideal for gardeners who don't have much time to spare on tending to their plants. In addition, it is drought-tolerant and can even thrive in xeriscaped environments.

For those who live in USDA Zone 9-11, Acanthostachys strobilacea is well-suited for growing in containers. The plant can be successfully grown in cold regions as long as its soil is kept moist. In cooler climates, the plant should be moved to a sheltered area during the winter months to ensure the soil does not become too cold and wet, as this could damage the roots. Furthermore, when growing in a pot, it is important to ensure the pot is well-drained and to water the plant regularly and deeply.

Overall, Acanthostachys strobilacea is a beautiful and exotic plant that is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a great addition to any sunny or partially-shaded garden. With the right care, it can thrive in its environment and bring a unique beauty to any garden.

Acanthus ilicifolius

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Acanthus ilicifolius, or Holly-leaved Acanthus, is a perennial plant native to India and Polynesia. This plant can reach a large size, typically growing up to 5-10 ft tall. It has a semi-woody and sprawling structure, with thin stems coated in a glossy green hue speckled with white. The leaves are oval-shaped with a pair of spines at each angle.

Holly-leaved Acanthus prefers full sun to semi-shade and can be grown either in a bog or aquatic environment. It requires plenty of moisture as well as regular watering to stay healthy and vibrant. This plant also tolerates flooding and salty conditions near the seaside very well. Therefore, it can be a great addition to any garden in the USDA hardiness zone of 8-11.

The Holly-leaved Acanthus is adorned with clusters of beautiful blue, lavender and purple flowers. It is also an ethnomedical plant, hence its use in traditional medicine. Its stems are thorny or spiny and may require careful handling when handling.

When growing Holly-leaved Acanthus in a pot, it is essential to keep the soil moist and use quality organic potting soil. A location with some protection from the elements is preferred in colder regions as well as a winter mulching of thick straw to prevent frost damage. Additionally, it is important to keep an eye out for any pests and diseases that may occur and act appropriately to keep the plant healthy.

Acanthus sp.

Acanthus sp., also known as Acanthus, Bear's Breeches, grows in full sun to partial shade and will thrive in most soils, provided they are well-drained. It is a thinly branched unusual perennial with interesting foliage, basal clusters of oblong to lance-shaped glossy, dark green leaves reaching up to 12 inches long. The leaves have silver marks and wavy margins. It produces showy pink flowers in the summer to fall.

The plant needs regular watering, but should not be over watered, as this can lead to root rot. It is a deciduous plant so it will lose its leaves during the winter months. It is a somewhat spiny, but attractive plant. For colder regions, it is recommended to grow Acanthus in a pot and move them indoors once it gets too cold to leave the plant outside. In these cases the plant should be placed in a south-facing window and watered regularly.

Aegle marmelos

This plant is a medium sized tree that grows up to 40ft.This plant is known to posses some medicinal properties. All parts of this tree including, the roots, leaves, trunk, fruits, and seeds, are used for curing one human ailment, or another. The fruits are usually eaten by people.They taste like marmalade, and smell like roses. They are also used in the preparation of many medicines in villages. These protein-rich fruits are also used in making some very good drinks. They can also make a wonderful jam. The plant easily withstands long periods of drought, which are needed for better fruit yields. It grows in most soil and climate types, and requires little care when established.

Agave americana

Agave americana, commonly known as the century plant, is a striking succulent renowned for its dramatic, spiky leaves and towering flower stalk that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. Native to Mexico, this hardy plant is celebrated for its adaptability to arid environments and its ability to produce a spectacular bloom just once in its lifetime, typically after several decades. Its versatility extends beyond ornamental use, as it has been traditionally utilized for its fibers, sweet sap, and medicinal properties.

The genus of more than 200 species of rosette-forming, mostly monocarpic, or sometimes perennial succulents from the desert and mountainous regions of the Americas. The most popular Agave is the Century Plant, so-called because of the mistaken belief that it flowers only once every 100 years. There are two colorful varietis - Agava americana marginata (green leaves edged with yellow) and Agava americana mediopicta (cream leaves edged with green). These plants produce leaves 3 or 4 feet long, and their size makes them unsuitable for an ordinary room. In winter watering this plant can be done once every 1-2 months, there is no need to mist the leaves.

Agave angustifolia Marginata, Agave marginata

Agave angustifolia Marginata, more commonly known as the Agave Maguey Lechugilla, is a small shrub native to Mexico. This spiny or thorny succulent is popular for its ornamental foliage and grows between 2-5 feet in full sun, and in dry conditions. This is a hardy succulent, suitable for use in xeriscaping and is grown in USDA zone 9-11.

Agave Maguey Lechugilla, like most succulents, will produce best results in well-draining soil. Watering should be done sparingly and with care, as too much water can lead to the plant's death. When water is necessary, it should be done deep and slow. During the winter months, when growth is at a minimum, water should be reduced even more.

In cold regions, where freezing temperatures are expected, the best way to grow Agave Maguey Lechugilla is in a pot. Containers should also ensure adequate drainage, and during the hot summer months should be moved to a sunny spot outdoors and brought inside during winter.

Overall, the Agave Maguey Lechugilla is an attractive and hardy plant. When growing conditions are provided and cared for, the plant will grow to a maximum of 5 feet. Foliage is normally very ornamental, and is sure to be a winning addition to any xeriscape or cacti garden.

Agave attenuata

Native to the tropical climates of Mexico, Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave) is a small shrub that grows between 2 - 5 feet. It prefers full sun to light shade, and requires moderate wateringthough it doesn't tolerate overly wet conditions. It prefers to grow in dry, well-draining soils. The plant is renowned for its light grey-green wavy-edged leaves with a hint of ivory powder. Fox Tail Agave's short, flowering stems emerge from the heart of the plant in summer or fall and produce yellow or orange clusters of fragrant flowers. The spiny or thorny leaves help to deter browsing animals and offer a unique addition to gardens and landscapes.

Agave attenuata is an excellent home garden choice because it is low-maintenance, drought tolerant and can survive in a range of conditions. In addition, it can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11 with minimal care. However, if you are located in a colder region and plan to grow this plant in a pot, you should move it indoors during the winter months to protect it from the frost. As long as you ensure your Fox Tail Agave has plenty of sun and water it should thrive in your garden or home.

Agave neglecta

Agave neglecta has been regarded as endemic to Florida, but is now treated as the same species as the Mexican Agave weberi and only naturalized in Florida through human agency.

Agave sp.

Agaves are rosette plants that live for many several years before flowering. Each rosette will flower only once, then die. The English common name, Century Plant, is based on the mistaken belief that the plants grow for 100 years before blooming. In fact, some of the smaller species flower when only 3 to 4 years old. The larger species may live for 40 to 50 years before flowering. They may be planted outdoors in mild climates, especially those that are desert and semi-desert; otherwise, they may be grown in a greenhouse and when small as houseplants. In regions with harsh winters, Agaves may be planted outdoors in the summer and brought in during the winter. The sizes of the Agaves vary from 6 inches to 15 feet wide between the species.

Species and varieties:

Agave americana

Agave angustifolia

Agave attenuata

Agave avellanidens

Agave Blue Jazz

Agave celsii

Agave desmettiana

Agave eduardi

Agave ferox

Agave guttata

Agave isthmensis

Agave leopoldii

Agave lophantha

Agave neglecta

Agave parrasana

Agave parryi

Agave potatorum

Agave schottii

Agave sisalana

Agave stricta

Agave tequilana

Agave toumeyana

Agave victoriae reginae

Agave vilmoriniana