Firecracker Plant

Russelia equisetiformis

Family: Plantaginaceae

Arching Fountain-Form Shrub
Rush-Like Leafless Stems
Full Sun
Not Recommended South of Orlando
Naming Trap: see the look-alike warning

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

not stated by the cited source(s)

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

We found no source on toxicity to pets or people for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Cuphea ignea (PlotAndPetal's separate entry): both species share the common name "firecracker plant.". To tell them apart: Russelia equisetiformis has arching, rush-like leafless stems and small plain red tubular flowers. Cuphea ignea is a small mounding woody shrub with tubular red-orange flowers tipped white and black, like a lit cigar.. Both go by "firecracker plant": check the growth habit (arching rush-like stems vs. mounding shrub) before assuming which one you have.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 9a to 11b (NC State); poor tolerance outdoors below 41F.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: Height 2 to 4 ft; width 3 to 5 ft (NC State).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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