firecracker plant
firecracker plant Lexical Profile
• noun
A weeping, shrubby perennial plant (Russelia equisetiformis) native to Mexico, characterized by cascading, rush-like stems and abundant bright red, tubular flowers that resemble small bursting firecrackers.
"We hung a firecracker plant in a large basket on the porch to attract hummingbirds with its cascading red blooms."
A small tropical evergreen subshrub (Cuphea ignea) native to Mexico and the West Indies, featuring narrow, bright red-orange flowers tipped with black and white that mimic a lit cigar or firecracker.
"The horticulturist recommended adding a firecracker plant to the garden border for a continuous splash of vibrant color throughout the summer."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the English words 'firecracker' and 'plant'. It is a common name given to several distinct botanical species due to the striking visual resemblance of their bright red, tubular flowers to lit firecrackers.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.