Bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) is a very ornamental herbaceous perennial with large shiny dark green leaves. The plant grows in a clump about 5' (1.5 m) tall, with slightly less spread. The leaves can be up to 3 ft (1 m) long, with deep cuts, although there's quite a bit of variation among individual leaves. Each lobe is tipped with a soft (not sharp) spine. In late summer, bear's breeches blooms with creamy white to slightly pink or purplish flowers on dramatically tall, erect stalks held way above the foliage.

Acanthus mollis is native to the Mediterranean region of northern Africa and southwestern Europe.