How to Identify and Control Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
Readers’ Note: Know Your Land is an informational series intended to educate deedholders on potential invasive species in their field or woodlot. We provide descriptive information, interesting facts, and strategies for managing these species.
Invasive Species Spotlight: Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
Many of you are likely familiar with Burning Bush. Its distinctive red foliage is stunning this time of year and can be found dotting the front yards of many homes and neighborhoods. Originally imported as an ornamental shrub from Asia in the mid-1800s, its propensity to behave as an invasive species wasn’t documented until the 1970s. Like some of our other invasive shrubs, it possesses the capacity to tolerate a variety of growing conditions, from open sunlight (hence its use in landscaping) to the deep shade in the understory of a forest.
Plant Description
Burning Bush, also known as Winged Euonymus, is most easily identified by its green-brown stems which feature corky extensions (wings) that give the stem a somewhat square-ish appearance. Dense branching supports simple, opposite-arranged leaves that are finely tooth along the edges. The small, green leaves turn a brilliant shade of red in autumn and the shrub is capable of growing 15-20 ft tall.
Strategies for control
Some of you may be reluctant to control Burning Bush on your property because of its aesthetic values or you’re rationalizing that removing a single ornamental shrub won’t make a difference. But here’s the reality – the single shrub on your property could be responsible for infestations of Burning Bush in nearby forests and fields. Burning bush is a prolific seeder. The fruit it produces typically contains four seeds and is highly desirable by birds and other wildlife. In fact, birds are one of its primary dispersal methods that helps Burning Bush spread and outcompete native plant communities. And while providing fall and winter food sources for wildlife is admirable, there are native alternatives that can help sustain wildlife without negatively impacting local ecosystems.
Fortunately, there are several options to control Burning Bush. If you are just trying to remove a few shrubs, cutting the stems and removing the roots with a weed wrench is very feasible. Control of larger infestations can be achieved through foliar, cut stump or basal bark herbicide applications, often in combination with mechanical control.
Plant something native instead!
If you are looking for native alternatives to Burning Bush that provide food for wildlife and bit of fall color, consider fruiting shrubs such as viburnums and dogwoods, in particular: American cranberrybush (Viburnum trilobum), Silky dogwood (Cornus Amomum) and Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa).
Need more help?
If you have a forest management plan or stewardship plan on your property and have invasive plant issues, talk with your forester about it. They can direct you to resources and contractors that can assist you. If you don’t have a plan, consider reaching out to your local USDA NRCS office. Their staff can walk your land with you and provide free technical assistance.
PennState Extension offers more details on treatment options with herbicide.