Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Euonymus alatus
Burning Bush
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Height
- 15 to 20 feet
- Width
- 8 to 12 feet
- Flower color
- Yellow-green
- Foliage color
- Green leaves, turning vibrant red in fall
- Bloom time
- Spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Medium
- Maintenance
- Low, can tolerate heavy pruning
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 4 to 8
- Wildlife
- Birds, particularly due to its bright red fruit in the fall
About this plant
Euonymus alatus, commonly known as burning bush, is a deciduous shrub valued for its vibrant autumn foliage. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers, which are followed by small red to purple fruits that attract birds. Its green leaves transform into brilliant shades of red in the fall, creating a bold seasonal display.
Native to eastern Asia, Euonymus alatus is well-suited to a variety of garden settings and is often used in hedges, borders, or as a specimen plant. Its unique winged stems, a distinguishing feature, add texture and interest even in the winter months when the shrub is leafless. This combination of seasonal color and structural appeal makes it a favorite in ornamental landscaping.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Winter Interest · Hedging & Privacy · Specimen Plants
Companion plants
Yarrow · Oregon grape · Coreopsis · Blanket flower · Phlox · Bulgarian honey garlic
Design tip
Few shrubs create such an abrupt seasonal transformation, shifting from relatively quiet green foliage to brilliant scarlet in autumn. Give burning bush a location where that color can become the focal point, with evergreens nearby providing contrast after surrounding deciduous plants begin to fade.
