Derived from the Greek akanthos meaning a thorn and refers to the spiny leaves and flower bracts of many acanthus species. Immortalised aesthetically in the Corinthian columns of Greek architecture, they make handsome plants with architectural foliage and decorative flower spikes.
The large flowers are much visited by larger pollinators, especially bumblebees, as a rich source of nectar. Unfortunately the spiny bracts sometimes entrap the bee which may then starve: while this is sad for the victim, thankfully it is a relatively rare occurrence. The leaves of non-spiny forms are often eaten by generalist moth caterpillars: learn to love the holes as a badge of 'organic honour'! Acanthus can become patch-forming and dominant and so should not be allowed outside the confines of gardens.