Burning bush, Euonymus alatus, has long been planted as an ornamental in the home landscape because of its brilliant red fall foliage. But wildlife spread burning bush seed into natural landscapes such as forests, old fields, and roadsides where it establishes and outcompetes native vegetation.
Burning bush was introduced from Asia in the mid-1800s as an ornamental shrub.
Burning bush is not regulated in Illinois.
Burning bush is a woody, multi-stemmed shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall. Its leaves are around 1 to 2 inches long, oppositely arranged on the stem, ovate in shape, and finely toothed along the margin. Stems are green to brown and have brown corky wings on the outer limbs.
In early spring, it has green flowers about a half-inch wide, in clusters of three. They are not very conspicuous and can be easily missed. In the fall, the leaves turn bright red, and the flowers develop into red berries about a half-inch wide.
Presented by Ryan Pankau, Extension Educator, Horticulture Illinois forests are unique plant communities of towering trees as well as tiny, spring wildflowers. Invasive plants threaten native plant diversity in forest communities across Illinois by out-competing our natives for water, light, and...
