Create Your Garden

Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)

Burning Bush, Winged Spindle Tree, Winged Euonymus, Winged Burning Bush

Euonymus alatus, Burning Bush, Winged Spindle Tree, Winged Euonymus, Winged Burning Bush, shrubs, fall color, shrub with berries, red leaves

Noted for its fluorescent fall foliage and very ornamental berries, Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush) is a large, spreading, deciduous shrub of great popularity. In late spring to early summer, a profusion of tiny, non-showy, greenish flowers appear before being replaced by purplish-red fruits that mature during the fall. At this time, each fruit capsule splits open to reveal orange-coated seeds which hang on far into winter. They are attractive to some birds who enjoy them during the winter months. The foliage of elliptic, green leaves turns impressive scarlet red in the fall before shedding to the ground, revealing conspicuous corky wings that project from the twigs. Adding a spectacular splash of color in the fall and providing winter interest, Euonymus alatus species is however considered invasive in some parts of the USA where it will out-compete native plants to form dense thickets. Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.

  • This dense, twiggy, flat-topped multi-stemmed shrub grows with a graceful vase-shaped habit, up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (450-600 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. While full shade is tolerated, the best fall display generally occurs in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soils excluding boggy and wet soils.
  • Generally pest free. Watch for powdery mildews.
  • Attracts birds and wildlife
  • Great as a specimen plant, shrub borders, or as an informal hedge or screen. This plant is particularly striking against a background of evergreens.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings
  • Native to eastern Russia, Japan, China, and Korea
  • All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Celastraceae
Genus Euonymus
Common names Burning Bush, Winged Euonymus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Euonymus
Guides with
Euonymus
Not sure which Euonymus to pick?
Compare Now

Alternative Plants to Consider

Euonymus americanus (American Strawberry Bush)
Euonymus fortunei (Wintercreeper)
Euonymus japonicus ‘Silver King’ (Japanese Spindle)
Euonymus japonicus ‘Microphyllus Aureovariegatus’ (Japanese Spindle)
Euonymus fortunei ‘Canadale Gold’ (Wintercreeper)
Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’ (Wintercreeper)

Recommended Companion Plants

Aster dumosus ‘Sapphire’ (Bushy Asters)
Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ (Japanese Blood Grass)
Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ (Purple Fountain Grass)
Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’ (Blue Fescue)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush)
Native Plant Alternatives to Euonymus fortunei (Wintercreeper)
Attractive Deciduous Shrubs and Trees with Red Fruits and Berries
Attractive Shrubs and Trees with Orange Fruits and Berries
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Buy Plants

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, A3
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Celastraceae
Genus Euonymus
Common names Burning Bush, Winged Euonymus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Spread 15' - 20'
(4.6m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Euonymus
Guides with
Euonymus
Not sure which Euonymus to pick?
Compare Now

Gardening Ideas

Plant Calculator

How many Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush) do I need for my garden?

Input your garden space dimensions

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Euonymus alatus (Burning Bush) N/A Buy Plants

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone