Summer Cypress Bassia scoparia

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column.

Burning bush or summer cypress is an annual plant native to Europe and Asia in the Amaranthaceae (buckwheat) family. It is found growing in floodplains, riparian areas, praires and disturbed areas especially throughout western North America.  Typcially it reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet tall and wide but it can growth to a height and width of 7 to 8 feet. The genus name Bassia comes from Italian botanist (1714-1774) Fernando Bassi, and the species name scoparia is Latin for broom-like referring to the fine textured leaves.

Feathery bright green leaves turn red in the fall and it has an attractive upright columnar habit.  The leaves are similar to cypress hence the common name. Its flowers are insignificant.  The erect stems form almost a candelabra shape and as they age they can break off and form a tumbleweed which spreads seeds around the landscape.

It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained high organic matter soil.   Very drought and salt tolerant it also resists herbicides.  It naturalizes and self-seeds easily especially in zones 8-10 so planting it in a container may manage its spread in the landscape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious insect or disease problems.  This plant is a noxious weed in several states.