Burning Bush

Burning Bush

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus), also known as winged bark euonymus, is a deciduous shrub from eastern Asia and was brought to the U.S. for ornamental purposes due to its bright red leaf fall color. The fall color can last for months starting in the late summer and lasting until late fall to early winter. Its leaves are serrated and simple. Burning bush has corky brown protrusions that run along the stems of the shrub. It also produces a red berry that birds will eat and spread allowing it to form dense thickets. Burning bush has dense root systems of fibrous and shallow roots that prevent other plants from growing under it. Its dense thicket-forming habit crowds out and prevents native plants from getting enough sunlight, water, nutrients and space, reducing native biodiversity. 

Keys To Success

The management method of burning bush is dependent on the size. If it is small and pencil thin, hand pulling is an effective way to eradicate burning bush. When it’s too big to pull, cut and paint treatments with glyphosate and triclopyr are most effective. Any plants that are treated should be monitored for regrowth and should be treated again when necessary (within the confines of the herbicide label).  Any bushes that have had berries on them should be removed and thrown in a trash bag to prevent them from further spreading.