Plant this...Not that - Burning Bush

(Image: Alamy/Botany vision)

Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus

Not That!

Information by Art Gover

Alternative

Consider Mapleleaf Viburnum.

Abstract

DO NOT plant Burning Bush (AKA winged euonymus). If you have it and enjoy its striking fall color, replace it with native species such as mapleleaf viburnum, arrowwood viburnum, or spicebush. These, and many other native shrubs, provide not only a range of sizes and textures for your landscape, but they also provide food and shelter for the native insects they evolved with and create valuable backyard habitat.

Figure 1. Opposite, toothed leaves and distinct corky “wings” of Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Figure 2. Characteristic fall color of “Old Growth” burning bush infestations growing as near-monocultures and over 10-feet tall.

Figure 3. Abundant seedling of Burning Bush under the canopy of parent plant.

Description

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is a shrub species native to northeastern Asia to central China. The original “wild type” can be gangly and open, while dwarf(-ish) cultivars such as “Compactus” feature a dense, almost rounded form. The stems feature corky ridges, or “wings”, and opposite leaves with toothed margins (Figure 1). Late-season interest is enhanced with bright red fruit and fall color (Figure 2). The fruit that produces abundant viable seed will germinate abundantly under the canopy of the parent plant (Figure 3).

Natural History

Burning Bush is described as common in Asia, occurring in forests and shrublands from sea level to 9000 ft. It was introduced as an ornamental to the U.S. in 1860 and is commonly used as a foundation plant, in massed plantings, or occasionally in sheared hedges. The wild type can exceed 15 ft in height, while more recent cultivars are commonly 4- to 6-ft.

Why You Should Not Plant This

Burning Bush provides durable cover and has distinct ornamental qualities. However, pretty plants that are not food for bugs do not feed the birds. They are an energy “dead end” in the ecosystem, taking up space and sunlight and not sharing until they die and decay.

Burning Bush is a “Class B” Noxious Weed in Pennsylvania, which is described as widely distributed, with eradication unfeasible. It is illegal to sell it in PA. The fruit is consumed by birds, and the seed passes and is distributed elsewhere. The prevalence of burning bush in natural areas correlates with how long the adjacent area has been settled. Woodlands in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas are commonly infested. Locally, it is increasingly common in woodlands around State College. With moderate effort, you can find it in woodlots in Penns Valley.