Burningbush: The Beautiful Invasive You Should Skip
If you’ve ever driven through a neighborhood in fall and noticed shrubs practically glowing with intense red-orange foliage, you’ve likely spotted burningbush (Euonymus alatus var. alatus). This non-native shrub has been a landscape staple for decades, but there’s more to this eye-catching plant than meets the eye – and not all of it is good news for our native ecosystems.
What Exactly Is Burningbush?
Burningbush is a perennial, multi-stemmed shrub that typically grows 4-5 meters (13-16 feet) tall, though it can sometimes exceed this height or develop a single stem depending on growing conditions. Originally from Eastern Asia, this deciduous shrub has become widely established across much of North America, from Ontario down through numerous U.S. states including Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina, and many others.
What makes this plant instantly recognizable are two key features: its spectacular fall color that ranges from bright red to deep crimson-orange, and its distinctive winged bark – corky ridges that run along the stems, giving them an almost architectural appearance.
The Appeal That Made It Popular
It’s easy to understand why burningbush became a landscaping favorite. This shrub offers several attractive qualities:
- Stunning fall foliage that’s hard to match
- Distinctive winged bark adds winter interest
- Extremely adaptable to various growing conditions
- Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8
- Tolerates both full sun and partial shade
- Drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance requirements
The Problem: An Invasive Reality
Here’s where things get complicated. While burningbush might seem like the perfect landscaping solution, it’s widely recognized as an invasive species throughout much of its introduced range. This means it reproduces spontaneously in the wild and tends to persist without human help – often at the expense of native plants.
The shrub spreads through both seeds (which birds readily disperse) and root suckers, allowing it to colonize natural areas and crowd out indigenous species that wildlife depends on. Its adaptability, which makes it so appealing to gardeners, also makes it a formidable competitor in wild spaces.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
Unlike many native shrubs that provide crucial food sources and habitat, burningbush offers limited benefits to local wildlife. Its small, inconspicuous flowers provide minimal nectar for pollinators, and while birds may eat the berries, the plant doesn’t support the same level of biodiversity as native alternatives.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
The good news? There are fantastic native alternatives that can give you similar aesthetic appeal without the ecological concerns:
- Native dogwoods for brilliant fall color
- Serviceberries for multi-season interest and wildlife value
- Native viburnums for stunning autumn displays
- Sumacs for dramatic fall foliage
- Native maples for reliable color
If You Already Have Burningbush
If you currently have burningbush on your property, consider gradually replacing it with native alternatives. When removing burningbush, be thorough – the plant can resprout from remaining roots, and any dropped berries may germinate into new plants.
The Bottom Line
While burningbush undeniably offers spectacular fall color and easy care, its invasive nature makes it a problematic choice for environmentally conscious gardeners. By choosing native alternatives, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes while supporting local ecosystems and the wildlife that depends on them. Your garden can be both gorgeous and responsible – it just takes selecting the right plants for the job.
