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can you identify this plant we saw in Japan #922016

Asked November 16, 2025, 12:37 PM EST

Hi We saw this beautiful maroon colored shrub while traveling inJapan last month and have asked a few nurseries but no one seems to know what it is. One person thought it could be”bassia scoparia ? Any help you could provide is greatly appreciated if you think this is correct and where I could purchase it. Thank you!

Multnomah County Oregon

Expert Response

I think this is Bassia scoparia f. trichophylla, as suggested. The photos don't include close details for me to be 100% confident, but I don't find much else online with this "look". Here is the Missouri Botanical Garden page about the plant. I can see why one common name is is "burning bush". I visited Japan in springtime, but the views on this travel website make me think an autumn visit would be fabulous.
Jacki D., Master Gardener Diagnostician Volunteer (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties) Oregon State University Extension Service Volunteer Metro Master Gardeners (http://metromastergardeners.org/) Replied November 17, 2025, 6:34 PM EST
Thank you for your help and yes an autumn visit is really great altho we were too early for the magnificent colors and it was unusually warm for our visit in Oct.  Nov and Dec are supposed to be beautiful with color but extremely crowded!
I'll contact Missouri to see if it will work in our climate.
Again appreciate your help!
Marilynn

On Mon, Nov 17, 2025 at 3:34 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied November 17, 2025, 7:10 PM EST

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