Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
[yew-ON-ih-mus ah-LAY-tus]

Deciduous Perennial Rounded, Multi-Stemmed Shrub in the Celastraceae Family
The classic deciduous Burning Bush, grown across the Midwest for intensely red fall foliage and a tough, adaptable nature -- though the straight species seeds prolifically and is considered invasive in parts of the region.

Euonymus alatus, the Burning Bush or Winged Spindle-Tree, is a dense, rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub native to east Asia, grown almost entirely for its brilliant red to burgundy fall foliage. Its stems develop distinctive corky, wing-like ridges, giving rise to both its botanical and common names. Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers in spring go largely unnoticed next to the plant's fall display.

The straight species seeds prolifically -- birds spread the fruit widely -- and it is considered invasive in parts of the eastern and midwestern U.S., including Wisconsin, where it (along with the 'Nordine' cultivar specifically) is a Restricted species under state invasive-species rules. Newer seedless cultivars such as 'Fire Ball' avoid this problem entirely.

Pros

  • Spectacular, reliable red fall color
  • Extremely tough and adaptable
  • Tolerates full sun to partial shade

Cons

  • Straight species seeds prolifically; invasive in parts of the Midwest and East
  • Restricted for sale in Wisconsin (straight species and 'Nordine' cultivar)
  • High maintenance; benefits from regular pruning
Highlights One of the most reliable fall-color shrubs in American gardens, grown almost entirely for its brilliant red autumn display -- though its seediness has pushed newer, non-invasive cultivars like 'Fire Ball' to the front of the market.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 15 - 20 feet tall. 15 - 20 feet wide.
Growth Rate Medium
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Dry - Medium
Zones 4a - 8b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Deciduous, Dry, Fall Color, Full Sun, Medium, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Rabbit Resistant, Shrub Fall Color Shrubs, Winter Interest Shrubs, Yellow Flowering Shrubs
Bloom Period Spring
Flower Color Yellow-Green To Greenish-Maroon
Foliage Color Green
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Pairs well with other fall-interest shrubs and perennials such as Aster and ornamental grasses.

Photos of This with...

Japanese Maple, Boxwood, Eastern Redbud, Chrysanthemum, Forsythia, Gartenmeister Upright Fuchsia, Common Witch Hazel, English Ivy, Hydrangea, Hippo White Polka Dot Plant, Sunpatiens Compact Blush Pink Impatiens, Star Magnolia, Supertunia Vista Bubblegum Petunia, Colorado Spruce, Eastern White Pine, Yew, English Yew, Arborvitae,
 
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Pricing and Availability History

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!