Burning Bush
Euonymus alatus · Deciduous shrub, Broadleaf
Plant Family
Celastraceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Shrub
Variety / Cultivar
'Compactus'
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4 through 8
About This Tree
A dense, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub featuring a rounded to somewhat spreading habit, highly valued for its striking fiery red autumn foliage and interesting corky ridges on the stems.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite, elliptic to ovate leaves, 1 to 3 inches long, dark green in summer turning brilliant crimson-red in fall, with finely serrated margins.
Bark Characteristics
Gray-brown bark on older stems, frequently characterized by prominent, corky, winged ridges on smaller branches, though some compact cultivars show less prominent winging.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and northern China, Japan, and Korea
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out with inconspicuous green flowers in late spring, vibrant red foliage in autumn, and winter dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers average, well-drained soil with moderate watering, and exhibits good drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 5 to 10 feet in height and spread, with a moderate growth rate and a multi-stemmed shrub form.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its exceptionally brilliant red fall color, highly adaptable to urban pollution, pruning, and various soil types.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides dense nesting cover for birds; however, the fruit and foliage are consumed by wildlife, and the species can be invasive in natural woodland understories.