Fire-on-the-Mountain

About Fire-on-the-Mountain

Fire-on-the-Mountain is a striking native annual that brings a bold splash of tropical-looking color to the North American landscape. Also known as Wild Poinsettia, this unique member of the Spurge family is famous for the brilliant scarlet-red patches that develop at the base of its upper leaves, creating a fiery contrast against the deep green foliage. Growing quickly to a height of 1 to 2 feet, it produces inconspicuous green flowers in late summer, but it is the colorful bract-like leaves that truly steal the show. Native to the southern United States and extending into the Midwest, it thrives in dry to medium soils and is often found in open woods, glades, and disturbed sites. This plant is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a self-seeding annual that provides instant visual impact and supports a variety of pollinators. It performs best in full to partial sun and is remarkably adaptable to different soil types. Because it self-seeds readily, you can enjoy its vibrant display year after year with very little effort, making it a delightful and low-maintenance addition to any native plant collection.