Plant Profile: Acalypha gracilens

Acalypha gracilens, commonly known as Slender Threeseed Mercury, is a native, herbaceous annual wildflower belonging to the spurge family, predominantly found in the Eastern United States. The genus name, Acalypha, derives from Greek, alluding to the nettle-like appearance of its leaves, while the species name, gracilens, translates from Latin to mean slender or graceful.

This wildflower is characterized by its vibrant bracts, which are particularly notable; a familiar comparison can be made to the colorful bracts of Poinsettias, also part of the Euphorbiaceae family. Often regarded as a weed, Slender Threeseed Mercury thrives in a variety of environments, including sandy pinewoods, mixed forests, rocky outcrops, and disturbed sites. Its deep taproot makes it challenging to remove once it becomes established. To manage its growth effectively, it is advisable to deadhead the flowers promptly after seed formation or to uproot the plant while it is still young.

Typically, Slender Threeseed Mercury reaches heights of 1 to 3 feet, depending on the conditions in which it grows. The plant features branched stems that can be green or reddish-brown, and its striking fall foliage contributes to its alternate names, Shortstalk Copperleaf and Slender Copperleaf. Both male and female flowers are present on the plant.

As for plant health, there are currently no known issues with diseases or insect infestations affecting Slender Threeseed Mercury.