Burning Bush ( Euonymus alatus ) Identification

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) Identification
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Burning Bush
(Euonymus alatus)
Burning Bush is a deciduous bushy shrub with
branches that have corky wings and grow bright red to
purple leaves in the fall.
Use the information below to help you determine if
you have this plant growing in your yard.
Stems & Branches: The plant is multi-stemmed
with brown branches that have distinctive winged
stems. The bush usually grows between 5 to 15 feet
high.
Leaves: Burning Bush has simple, elliptical leaves, 1
to 3 inches long, with toothed margins. The leaves
are found in opposite arrangements along the stem.
The color of the leaves range from green in the spring
to vibrant deep red in the fall.
Flowers: Subtle, small, green flowers, with four
petals grow in the early spring.
Fruit/Seed: The fruit is grown in stemmed pairs in
leaf axils. The color of the fruit changes from orangered to purple as it grows throughout the summer.
Threats/Damage/Reason to Remove: Burning
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) Removal
Bush poses a clear risk to New York's economy, ecological
well-being and/or human health and will be listed as
regulated under section 575.4 under 6 NYCRR Part 575
Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Species.
Burning bush has been voluntarily planted and spread as
an ornamental plant due to its brilliant red leaves in the
fall. It is mainly spread through seed by humans and by
animals. The large size of burning bush out competes and
over shades native shrubs, creating dense monocultures.
The adaptability of this plant is what makes it truly
troublesome. It can survive on road sides because of its
high salt tolerance, in the forest understory because of its
shade tolerance, and has high seed dispersal through quick
germination.
To Remove: Small plants, up to 2 feet tall can be hand-pulled from the soil. Larger plants need to be cut
back and dug out. A spading fork or a weed wrench may need to be used to remove the root systems. Just
cutting the plant will not control it. The plant will need to be continuously cut back to control spread, or cut
stumps can be painted or sprayed with a general herbicide like glysophate, imazapyr, or triclopyr.
Note: When using herbicides please follow labels and New York state guidelines.
GREEN UP
Native Alternatives Available at Trade-In Event
Note:
Species for
trade are
subject to
change or
may have
limited
availability.
The species
listed are
not
guaranteed
to be
available.
Black Chokeberry
Photinia
melanocarpa
Red Chokeberry
Photinia arbutifolia
Red Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Lake George Association S P.O. Box 408 S Lake George, NY 12845
(518) 668-3558 S Fax (518) 668-4702 S www.lakegeorgeassociation.org