Plant of Bear's Breech (Acanthus mollis)

Bear’s breech is a popular ornamental element in the art of ancient Rome and Greece. The shrub has beautiful dark green feathery leaves and blooms spectacularly in July and August. Originally from the Mediterranean area it often is found in rocky soils. Because of its resemblance it is often erroneously called Heracleum, but this is a different plant.

Medicinally it is considered to be an appetite stimulant, diuretic and bile stimulator, and all parts of the plant are used.

The Acanto is a hardy plant withstanding temperatures of approx. -15 ° C outdoors. In pots it should be kept cool, with temperatures around 5 ° C.