Large glossy leaves are 5 lobed than those of A. spinosus.
var. latifolius
- Broadleaf Acanthus
var.
spinosissimus - Leaf spines are white,
stiff and even sharper than those of A. spinosus.
Of the two species
of Acanthus that are commonly used in
landscape gardens, A. mollis is prized
for its foliage while A. spinosus is
generally noted for its unusual flowers. Also,
this species is less hardy than A. spinosus
and is grown more in the South.
