Leaves
Firebush has 3-7 whorled leaves at each node. The leaves are elliptic to oval in shape, about 6" long, and gray-pubescent underneath with reddish veins and petioles. 

Flowers
Flowers are bright reddish-orange or scarlet tubular flowers arranged in terminal clusters (cymes).  The individual flowers are each about 3/4", long.  The flower stems are also a bright red.

Fruit
Each fruit is a juicy berry with many small seeds, ripening from green to yellow to red and finally to black. Fruit is arranged in clusters.

Propagation
Propagation is by soft wood cuttings in spring or by seed.

Landscape usage
Firebush can be used in hedges, mixed borders, or as a stand-alone shrub. It can be kept small by pruning. Firebush is especially valuable for butterfly and hummingbird gardens and it will grow in any well drained soil.  For a native touch to the landscape, plant it with Beautyberry or Coral Bean or a white-flowered annual.

Interesting Facts
Indigenous people in tropical America use extracts of the Firebrush leaves and stems to treat all kinds of skin diseases including rashes, skin fungus, sores and insect stings. Modern researchers have found that extracts of Firebush contain several active phytochemicals which have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

For more detailed information on this plant go to:
Volusia Extension