Burning Bush
Burning bush is shade tolerant and can easily spread long distances via bird-dispersed seeds. It can quickly become established in forest understories, outcompeting and displacing native woody vegetation.
Common Name: Burning bush
Scientific Name: Euonymus alatus
Native Range: Asia
Background
Burning bush, or winged euonymus. is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are simple, opposite, and 1-3 inches long with smooth edges. The plant’s green summer foliage transitions to a vibrant red in fall, making it an attractive ornamental that should be avoided. Stems are green to brown in color with four prominent wings. Plants flower in May or early June, producing small green flowers. In late summer the fruits mature into small, bright red, oval berries.
Habitat
Frequently planted as a landscape species, burning bush escapes into natural areas via bird dispersed seeds. Shrubs are adaptable to a variety of soil and light conditions, and can be found in forested wetlands, forest understories, riparian corridors, and rights-of-way.
NYS Distribution Map
NOTE: If you receive a “sign in” message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Water chestnut submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives
Identification
The most prominent feature is the four corky wings that grow along the stems of the plant. The oval-shaped leaves have smooth edges and grow opposite one another along the stem. The leaves turn a vibrant red in the fall and there are small, bright red berries present in late summer.
Impact
Burning bush is shade tolerant and can easily spread long distances via bird-dispersed seeds. It can quickly become established in forest understories, outcompeting and displacing native woody vegetation.
Prevention and Control
Do not plant burning bush. Small plants can be managed by hand pulling or digging prior to seed formation. Larger infestations can be controlled using an herbicide. Glyphosate and triclopyr based products are effective for foliar spray and cut stump treatments.
