burning bush

plant variety, Kochia scoparia

Also known as: firebush

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "burning bush" is applied to several plants, primarily due to their vibrant fall foliage, striking flowers, or the emission of flammable vapors. One common plant referred to as burning bush is Euonymus atropurpureus, also known as wahoo, native to the eastern and north-central United States. Another is the winged spindle tree, or winged euonymus (E. alatus), often used in landscaping.1

The plant Kochia scoparia, formerly classified under the genus Bassia, is also called burning bush, particularly a variety known as summer cypress or firebush. This globe-shaped subshrub features narrow, hairy leaves that turn a purplish-red in the fall and is frequently cultivated as an ornamental summer hedge. Some Bassia species can tolerate saline soils and may be poisonous to grazing animals.2

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Bassia
One variety, known as firebush or burning bush, is a globe-shaped subshrub with narrow hairy leaves that turn purplish red in autumn; it is often grown as an ornamental summer hedge.
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One variety, known as firebush or burning bush, is a globe-shaped subshrub with narrow hairy leaves that turn purplish red in autumn; it is often grown as an ornamental summer hedge.
Read More