Euonymus alatus

Burning Bush is a moderately weedy species of deciduous shrub, single or multi-stemmed, that is drought tolerant and provides stunning red fall color. In its native Japan, it is often found in thickets and woods in lowlands and mountains. It is grown mostly as an ornamental plant because of its bright red leaves in fall, but be aware that more shade will equal poor fall color quality. The blooms in spring are small and inconspicuous, but the fall color is a brilliant red (hence the common name). There is also winter interest due to naked, winged branches. The plant provides a nice effect when planted en-mass, as specimen plant, or as hedge.

Burning Bush prefers a well-drained loamy soil in dry shade, but also does well in full sun and most soils, including clay. It does not tolerate wet, poorly-drained soil and it appreciates consistent moisture, particularly when grown in full sun locations. When cultivated, it can withstand severe pruning to a small size and makes an excellent screen, hedge, or shrub border. It can be an upright mound in form, have horizontal branches, have a flat top, or even have multiple stems. Unpruned, the shrub grows tall, up to 20 feet by as much as 12 feet wide. Burning Bush also transplants easily. Cultivars with more compact forms of the shrub (from 4 to 10 feet tall) are available.

This shrub has a tendency to spread beyond cultivated garden areas and into native habitats. Its invasive tendency has been noted in multiple eastern and midwestern states. It grows in woodland edges, lands, in forests, in mixed deciduous forests, on roadsides and any accessible areas where it may expand into a dense grove. It is weedy in disturbed areas around houses and buildings. Its growth tendency enables it to out-compete other plants. Its invasiveness has especially been noted in western North Carolina. Burning Bush has escaped cultivated areas and become naturalized in at least 21 eastern and mid-western states. In some areas, it is now considered to be a threat to native plants because of its ability to establish itself where conditions are favorable. It will out-compete native plants to form dense thickets. Consider less invasive shrubs in the Euonymus genus for your home landscape.

Burning Bush seeds are edible by birds and wildlife. However, though no records of toxicity have been seen for this species of Euonymus, a number of other species in this genus are poisonous and caution is advised (thus the advisory of low toxicity).  

Diseases, Pests, and Other Plant Problems:    

No serious insect or disease problems. Twig blight may occur, particularly in wet soil conditions. Spider mites may appear on stressed plants.

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