How much sun does Burningbush need?

Burningbush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Burningbush bloom?

Burningbush blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Is Burningbush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Burningbush as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Burningbush attract?

Burningbush draws bees and beetles.

Is Burningbush HOA-friendly?

Burningbush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Burningbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bassia scoparia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Burningbush (Bassia scoparia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Burningbush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Burningbush

Burningbush is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Burningbush is a fast-growing annual that forms a neat, rounded shrub-like shape throughout the growing season. It turns brilliant red-orange in fall, providing striking seasonal color before dying back in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Burningbush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Considered invasive and banned in many states
Can self-seed aggressively
May look unkempt as it matures and sets seed

Wildlife value

Supports bees and beetles during its long summer blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Burningbush need?: Burningbush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Burningbush bloom?: Burningbush blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Is Burningbush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Burningbush as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Burningbush attract?: Burningbush draws bees and beetles.
Is Burningbush HOA-friendly?: Burningbush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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