Burning Bush

Ecological Considerations:
Euonymus atropurpurea is a low branching deciduous shrub that usually grows to a height of about 6 feet but which can grow as high as 20 feet if conditions favor it. A species of shrub in the bittersweet family, Burning Bush is often found in woods and thickets or along roadsides and disturbed areas. It prefers at least a half day of full sun for flowering but is shade tolerant.

Its dark green elliptic to ovate leaves turn dull red to greenish red in fall. Small, purple flowers appear in the leaf axils in late spring.  Scarlet red fruits appear in autumn as 4-lobed capsules, about 1/2 inch across, and pink to purple in color. The fruits split open to reveal dark red seeds upon ripening in the fall.  The bark is thin, and greenish-brown to reddish-brown, with shallow longitudinal splits. The root system is fibrous and the plant has a taproot.

Map areas where this plant can be used for revegetation:

Propagation Mechanisms/Strategies for Encouraging its Establishment: Birds consume the fruits of the Burning Bush and disperse the seeds in their droppings.

Best Planting Practices/Options and Pros and Cons of Options: Burning Bush can be propagated most easily from softwood cuttings taken in spring.

Key Issues Regarding its Ecology:  

Associated Ecological Benefits:
The fruit of the Burning Bush attracts wildlife and is eaten by a number of bird species.

Availability of Locally Sourced Seeds and Plants: 

Case Studies of Native Plant Establishment Efforts/Lessons Learned:

Additional Photos:

Sources cited:

Key Words:
Non-Native
Shrub
Burning Bush
Eastern Spindle-tree
Eastern Wahoo
Indian Arrowroot
Eastern Spindle-tree