This shrub was introduced from Asia around 1860 for ornamental purposes. It remains very popular and is widely used in commercial and residential landscapes and as a roadside hedge. By forming dense thickets, it alters the structure of native forest communities and is now considered invasive along much of the East Coast, including Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) branches in May.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is still carried by most nurseries and big box stores.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) stem detail in October.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) in October.
Photo © Elaine Mills

Detail of Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) branches in November.
Photo © Elaine Mills

The extent of how invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) can be is seen in this series of photographs of woods in Novemberl
Photo © Elaine Mills

The extent of how invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) can be is seen in this series of photographs of woods in Novemberl
Photo © Elaine Mills

The extent of how invasive Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) can be is seen in this series of photographs of woods in Novemberl
Photo © Elaine Mills

2020 Invasive Plant Factsheet Print Version (Legal Size):
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)