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Also known as Burning Bush, Mexican Fireweed, and Summer Cypress, this annual plant hails from Europe and Asia in the buckwheat family. It thrives in diverse habitats like floodplains, riparian areas, and prairies, particularly in western North America. Typically reaching 2 to 3 feet in height and width, it can expand up to 7 to 8 feet. With feathery bright green leaves that transform into fiery red hues in autumn, it boasts an attractive upright columnar form reminiscent of cypress trees, hence the common name. Its small flowers are unremarkable, but its erect stems tend to form a candelabra shape, and with age, they may break off to create tumbleweeds, dispersing seeds across the landscape. Preferring full sun and moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, it exhibits remarkable drought and salt tolerance and shows resistance to herbicides. This adaptable plant naturalizes easily, particularly in zones 8-10, and self-seeds readily, making container planting a useful strategy to control its spread in the landscape.
Pruning summer cypress in early spring removes winter damage, shaping the plant and promoting growth. Fall pruning, during dormancy, reduces shock and disease risk. Avoid summer pruning to prioritize flowering and seed formation, vital for the plant's life cycle and appearance.
Pruning summer cypress in early spring removes winter damage, shaping the plant and promoting growth. Fall pruning, during dormancy, reduces shock and disease risk. Avoid summer pruning to prioritize flowering and seed formation, vital for the plant's life cycle and appearance.
The genus name Bassia honors Italian botanist Fernando Bassi (1714-1774), while scoparia, Latin for broom-like, describes its fine-textured leaves. Valued for erosion control and its striking red autumn foliage, Bassia scoparia serves both practical and aesthetic purposes in landscaping.
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