Bassia scoparia aka Burningbush

Taxonomy

Bassia scoparia, commonly known as ragweed, summer cypress, mock-cypress, kochia, belvedere, burningbush, Mexican firebrush and Mexican fireweed, is a large annual herb native to Eurasia that has spread to many parts of North America, growing in grassland, prairie and desert shrub ecosystems. It features feathery, narrow, light green leaves 2-3 inches long that turn into a bright scarlet red in the fall, and it is typically grown for its attractive shape, light green foliage and bright scarlet red fall color. It has a cypress-like form and soft foliage, and it prefers full sun and moist, well-drained high organic matter soil. Although beautiful, it is an invasive species in some areas and alternate plants should be considered.

Common names

Burningbush, Kochia, Belvedere

How to care for Burningbush

Difficulty

Burningbush is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Burningbush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Burningbush loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Burningbush requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Burningbush will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.

Region of origin

Burningbush’s native range is Europe to Western N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia