Acalypha gracilens

The most distinguishing characteristic of the genus Acalypha is the leaf-like pistilate flower bracts in the axils of almost every leaf (see photo). Acalypha gracilens is similar to Acalypha virginica which has narrowly ovate or elliptic to lanceolate or broadly rhombic leaves with crenate to serrate margins and a petiole one fourth as long as or equal to the length of the leaf blade, while A. gracilens has linear to narrowly ovate or lanceolate leaves with entire to slightly crenate margins and a petiole usually less than one fourth as long as the length of the leaf blade.

Produces little herbage and not considered valuable to livestock as forage. However, it is a high use deer food plant. Seeds are eaten by quails, doves, and other birds.

Dry sandy soils.