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.

Where is Burningbush native?

Burningbush (Bassia scoparia) is native to NV, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: June 2026

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

Native to

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.
Where is Burningbush native?: Burningbush (Bassia scoparia) is native to NV, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Burningbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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