Burning Bush

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Winged Euonymus, Winged Spindle Tree

Full sun to part shade; medium moisture, well-drained; tolerates clay once established; pH 6.0–7.5.

6–10 feet tall and wide (species type); compact cultivar 'Compactus' reaches 4–6 feet; deciduous; fall color is the primary ornamental feature — leaves turn vivid scarlet-red in October–November; inconspicuous spring flowers; reddish-orange capsule fruits with orange arils in fall; spreads by bird-dispersed seed.

Propagation: softwood cuttings in early summer; semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Native region: Not native to Tennessee; introduction from northeastern Asia. Listed as invasive by the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council; banned from sale in some northeastern states.

Burning bush delivers reliable, vivid fall color in Middle Tennessee — one of the most consistently brilliant red fall displays of any deciduous shrub in Zone 6b/7a. However, like Japanese privet, it is an established invasive species in Tennessee forest edges and disturbed areas, where birds distribute seed from landscape plantings into natural vegetation. The corky-winged stems are a distinctive identification feature year-round. Scale insects (Unaspis euonymi, the euonymus scale) are a recurring pest in Middle Tennessee, appearing as white elongated scales on stems and causing yellowing and dieback — a dormant oil spray in late winter before bud break, followed by a summer spray, manages heavy infestations. For fall red color without invasive risk, Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' and native Fothergilla species are alternative choices for Middle Tennessee landscapes.