Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus · Deciduous shrub, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Celastraceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Shrub, Hedge
Variety / Cultivar
'Compactus' (Compact Burning Bush)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 4 through 8
About This Tree
A dense, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub typically grown as a rounded, spreading hedge or foundation plant. It features numerous fine branches and brilliant fiery red autumn foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves, elliptic to ovate in shape, 1 to 3 inches long, finely serrated margins, medium green in summer changing to a striking bright crimson-red in autumn
Bark Characteristics
Grayish-brown stems, often featuring prominent, corky winged ridges on the younger branches, though these are less pronounced on the compact cultivar
Growing Information
Origin Region
Northeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea; widely planted and naturalized in North America
Growing Season
Spring leafing, inconspicuous green-yellow flowers in late spring, followed by small red-purple capsules opening to orange seeds in autumn, dropping leaves in late fall to enter winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; requires moderate watering during establishment but is quite drought-tolerant once established; prefers well-drained soils
Mature Size
Typically reaches 5 to 9 feet in height and an equal or greater spread with a moderate growth rate and a lifespan of 30 to 50 years
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its exceptionally vivid red fall color, highly tolerant of heavy pruning, urban pollution, and various soil types
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover and shelter for small birds and mammals; produces seeds consumed by some bird species, though it is considered invasive in certain regions due to prolific bird-spread reseeding