Burning Bush Plant Overview
‘Fire Ball Seedless’ is a new dwarf, seedless burning bush cultivar
Common name: Burning bush or winged euonymus
Scientific name: Euonymus alatus
Zones: 4 to 8
Light needs: Full sun
Water needs: Average
Size: 7 to 20 feet high
Burning bush is popular for its scarlet fall foliage, but it’s also known as problematic invasive plant in the East, Midwest and South. Consult your local extension service to determine if the shrub is invasive in your region of the U.S.
Check out the best fall bushes and shrubs to grow in your yard.
Sterile Burning Bush Cultivar
One new option for gardeners is the dwarf sterile cultivar ‘Fire Ball Seedless,’ which grows 5 to 7 feet tall and wide and does not produce seeds. Prune or cut back in late winter or early spring.
Learn how to get rid of invasive Japanese honeysuckle plants.
Burning Bush Plant Identification
Burning bush
“What is this plant? Can its seeds be planted?” asks Birds & Blooms reader Sally Limanen of New York Mills, Minnesota.
Horticultural expert Melinda Myers says, “The brilliant fall color inspired one of the common names of this plant, burning bush (Euonymus alatus). The corky protrusions that form along some of the stems resulted in another common name: winged euonymus. The red things hanging from the stems are the capsules (fruit) that break open and expose orange seeds. This fruit is similar to its relative, bittersweet.
Close-up view of the foliage and capsules
Birds eat and help disperse the seeds, which has resulted in the plant invading many natural areas in much of the East and Midwest. It has the potential to become invasive in Minnesota, too. I suggest you pass on adding this plant to your landscape.”
Editor’s note—gardeners should avoid and remove invasive Oriental bittersweet; grow native American bittersweet instead.
Native Shrub Alternatives to Burning Bush
‘Legend Of The Fall’ fothergilla also has vibrant fall color
Look for native shrubs that provide a striking red fall color show, such as Virginia sweetspire and fothergilla. These vibrant alternatives also offer nectar to pollinators, berries for birds, or even both.
Native Shrubs for Birds: American Beautyberry Bush
About the Expert
Melinda Myers is the official gardening expert for Birds & Blooms. She is a TV/radio host, author and columnist who has written more than 20 gardening books. Melinda earned a master’s degree in horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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