Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla, commonly called burning bush, is an upright, shrubby, warm weather annual that is primarily grown for its attractive shape, light green foliage and bright scarlet red fall color. It typically grows in a single season to 2-3’ (less frequently to 5’) tall with a globular to columnar habit. Branches are clad with feathery, narrow, light green leaves (2-3” long) that turn scarlet red in fall. Flowers are inconspicuous. Plants have a cypress-like form and soft foliage, hence the sometimes used common name of summer cypress. This plant is native to temperate Asia, but has escaped gardens and naturalized in parts of North America. Synonymous with and formerly known as Kochia scoparia f. trachophylla and Kochia trichophylla.
