Firebush

Hamelia patens

Size: 1 Gallon Availability
*Availability Unknown; Estimate 2028*

Shrub
Max size: 8’ tall x 8’ wide
Average size: 5′ tall x 5′ wide

Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Loam, Sand
Full Sun, Part Shade
Mild tolerance to salt spray

AKA: Hummingbird Bush, Redhead, Scarlet Bush, Mexican Firecracker

This evergreen shrub occasionally will die back to the ground during hard freezes, but returns in the spring. It blooms all year as long as its warm enough. It makes a good specimen plant with its flowers, or a good informal background thicket. Its berries feeds birds, small mammals, and hummingbirds, as well as attracts many moths, butterflies, and long-tongued bees. It is a larval host for the pluto sphinx moth.

The fruits are edible; they are frequently eaten fresh off the plant, fermented as a drink, or processed into a syrup. The leaves and stems contain tannin, which can be used to tan leather. Medicinal uses include migraine treatment, vaginal wash, skin disease, measles, rheumatism, and headaches.