Virginia copperleaf (Acalypha virginica, Sp. Pl.: 1003 (1753))

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1003 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Acalypha

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Virginia copperleaf, scientifically known as Acalypha virginica, is a fascinating plant belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, a notable group in the plant kingdom. Recognized and documented by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this species has been an object of botanical interest for centuries, particularly reflected in its first mention in Linnaeus’s monumental work, “Species Plantarum.”

Native to the central and eastern regions of the United States, Virginia copperleaf thrives across a variety of habitats, showcasing its adaptability. It commonly inhabits open fields, gardens, roadsides, and disturbed areas where it flourishes, demonstrating a resilient and opportunistic growth pattern.

This plant is characterized by its lush, leafy appearance, usually growing to a height of about 1 to 3 feet. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and typified by their ovate to lanceolate shape with serrated edges, giving the plant a distinctive and attractive foliage. The leaves tend to have a coppery or bronze hue, which provides a hint about the plant’s common name – Virginia copperleaf.

The flowering period of Acalypha virginica extends from late spring to early fall. During this time, it produces small, unassuming flowers that are typically greenish in color. These flowers are unisexual, with male and female flowers born on the same plant but in separate clusters, a characteristic trait prevalent among species in the Euphorbiaceae family.

One of the notable aspects of Virginia copperleaf is its adaptation to various soil types and its ability to withstand a range of environmental conditions. However, it often appears in agricultural settings where it can be considered a weed, due to its rapid reproduction and spread, which might compete with cultivated crops for resources.

Ecologically, Virginia copperleaf plays a role in its native habitats. It can serve as a food source for various insects and animals, contributing to the local biodiversity. Despite being a common plant, it’s essential for ecologists and botanists to monitor its spread, especially in areas where it could potentially disrupt local ecosystems or agricultural practices.

Overall, Virginia copperleaf is a plant of modest appearance but significant interest. Its resilience and adaptability highlight the complex dynamics within plant communities and the importance of understanding even the most ubiquitous plants within an ecosystem. Whether appreciated for its foliage or studied for its impact on agriculture, Acalypha virginica underscores the enduring intricacies of plant life.

Common Names

Ita: acalifa della virginia
Eng: mercuryweed, threeseeded mercury, virginia copperleaf, virginia three-seeded-mercury, virginia threeseed mercury, wax balls, virginia three-seed mercury
Deu: virginischer katzenschwanz, virginisches kupferblatt
En: Virginia copperleaf, Virginia three-seeded-mercury, Virginia threeseed mercury, Virginia Three-Seed-Mercury, Mercuryweed, Threeseeded mercury, Wax balls, Virginia Three-seed Mercury
Fr: Acalypha de Virginie, Acalyphe de Virginie
De: Virginisches Kupferblatt, Virginischer Katzenschwanz, Dreisamiges Bingelkraut, Virginisches Nesselblatt
It: Acalifa, Acalifa della Virginia
Es: Acalifa

Synonyms

• Acalypha brevipes (Raf.)
• Acalypha virginica var. angustifolia (Torr.)
• Ricinocarpus urticifolius ((Raf.) Kuntze)
• Ricinocarpus digyneius ((Raf.) Kuntze)
• Acalypha virginica var. genuina (Müll.Arg.)
• Acalypha crenulata (Raf.)
• Acalypha virginica f. intermedia (Millsp.)
• Ricinocarpus virginicus ((L.) Kuntze)
• Acalypha digyneia (Raf.)
• Acalypha virginica f. purpurea (Farw.)
• Acalypha virginea (Dragend.)
• Acalypha echinata (Raf.)
• Acalypha urticifolia (Raf.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Italy (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Stefano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2015 by EOL − James Mickley (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Aug 17, 2013 by EOL − Lee Elliott (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Manū (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Terrilynn Platt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Franco Colnago (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Danilo Brugali (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 30, 2022 by marash rakaj (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Joe Daley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by Elcene Tichelaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Peace Andlove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2020 by Brad Kelley (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2022 by Nikki Gunnoe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by Allie P (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3056055)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1586-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acalypha virginica L.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.9