Corky Spindletree Euonymus alatus

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column. 

Burning bush is a 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. The common name burning bush comes from the bright red fall leaf color and the name corky spindle tree refers to the stems which have corky "wings".

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. Cultivars with more compact forms of the shrub (from 4 to 10 feet tall) are available. Burning bush transplants easily.

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. There is also winter interest due to the naked, winged branches. 

Burning bush prefers 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.

This popular landscape shrub has a tendency to spread beyond cultivated garden areas and into native habitats. Its invasive tendency has been noted in multiple midwestern and eastern states from CT to SC and west to WI. It can be found growing in woodland edges, in forests, in mixed deciduous forests, on roadsides, disturbed areas, and any accessible areas where it may expand into a dense grove. It is reported as a noxious weed in the Great Smokies of NC. Aggressive growth enables it to out-compete other plants. In some areas of the country, it is now considered to be a threat to native plants because of its ability to establish itself where conditions are favorable, out-competing native plants to form dense thickets.

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

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Spider mites may appear on stressed plants. Twig blight may occur, particularly in wet soil conditions.  Consider less invasive shrubs in the Euonymus genus for your home landscape. This plant is listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council.  The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Euonymus.