Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame Acanthus)

Native to Texas and Mexico, this deciduous shrub usually reaches 3 to 5 feet tall. It tolerates heat and drought and grows on rocky banks, floodplains, and in scrublands. Slender red to orange flowers attract hummingbirds through summer and fall, with watering encouraging longer flowering during dry weather. Its leaves feed the caterpillars of the Crimson Patch butterfly. Winter pruning encourages a fuller shape and more summer flowers. Photographed in Florida, United States.