Bassia scoparia, also known as burning bush, summer cypress, or Mexican fireweed, is a large annual herb in the family Amaranthaceae native to Eurasia. It has been introduced to many parts of North America, where it is found in grassland, prairie, and desert shrub ecosystems.
The leaves of Bassia scoparia are light green, narrow, and feathery, measuring 2-3 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. They are sessile (stalkless) and have 1-5 prominent veins. The margins of the leaves are often hairy, especially along the entire length. In the fall, the leaves turn a brilliant scarlet red.
The leaves of Bassia scoparia have a number of medicinal uses. They have been used to treat dysentery, diarrhea, dyspepsia, skin infections, and diseases of the urinary tract. The leaves have also been used in Chinese and Korean folk medicine to treat diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disorders, and jaundice.
In addition to their medicinal uses, the leaves of Bassia scoparia can also be used as an ornamental plant. They are evergreen, so they provide color and interest throughout the year. The leaves are also drought-tolerant, so they are a good choice for xeriscaping.
Here are some additional facts about Bassia scoparia:
- The plant is a hyperaccumulator of chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, zinc, and uranium. This means that it can accumulate these heavy metals in its tissues at levels much higher than those found in the surrounding soil.
- Bassia scoparia is a fire-adapted plant. This means that it is able to survive and even thrive after a fire. The plant's seeds are released from their capsules after a fire, and they germinate in the warm, disturbed soil.
- Bassia scoparia is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of the world. This is because it can spread rapidly and outcompete native plants.
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