fire-bush
Noun: 1. A densely branched Eurasian plant (Bassia scoparia subsp. scoparia, formerly Kochia scoparia) whose foliage turns a striking purple-red color in autumn. It is also known as summer cypress or burning bush. 2. An evergreen South American shrub (Embothrium coccineum) known for its showy clusters of trumpet-shaped, bright orange to scarlet flowers. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
- The fire-bush in the garden provides brilliant autumn color.
- We planted a fire-bush for its spectacular orange blossoms.
- The leaves of the fire-bush transform into a deep crimson in fall.
- The term is primarily used in horticulture and gardening to refer to these specific ornamental plants.
- Note: "Fire-bush" can cause confusion as it refers to two distinct plant species from different continents. Context usually clarifies which one is meant (e.g., discussing autumn color vs. evergreen flowering shrubs).
- Summer Cypress: A common name for the Eurasian .
- Burning Bush: Another common name for the autumn-color variety of . (Note: This name is also used for other plants, like ).
- Chilean Firebush: A name sometimes used for to specify its origin.
- Firethorn (): A different ornamental shrub with bright berries, sometimes confused by name.
- For the Eurasian plant: summer cypress, burning bush, kochia.
- For the South American plant: Chilean firebush, Chilean flame tree, notro.
This word has two distinct botanical meanings: 1. An annual plant from Eurasia, valued for its dramatic seasonal foliage change. 2. A perennial shrub/tree from South America, valued for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers.
The shared name likely originates from the visually "fiery" appearance of both plants—one through its red autumn leaves, the other through its bright orange-red flowers.
- densely branched Eurasian plant; foliage turns purple-red in autumn
- evergreen South American shrub having showy trumpet-shaped orange flowers; grown as an ornamental or houseplant