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Crimson Firebrush

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This colossal shrub grows up to 13 feet (4.0 meters) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 194 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous slender, straight stems covered in fine, waxy, brown and grey bark, and the wood inside is yellow-brown.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of large, stiff, pointed, leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are generally bright red, rigid and smooth.

It produces a thick sheet of medium-sized, black flowers with flame-shaped shaped petals. They are very delicate and have a delicate scent that smells like fresh linen. In midwinter it forms giantdark brown, shelled seeds.

The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.
It is suitable for making paper
The stems are covered in large spikes.