Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub that is popular in North American landscaping. The dense, multi-stemmed, rounded shrub gets its common name from the transformation of its medium-green elliptical leaves into brilliant red fall foliage.
Best planted in the fall or spring from a container-grown nursery plant, burning bush grows at a moderate pace, adding about a foot of growth per year, and requires full sunlight. If properly maintained, it will survive for decades.
Burning bush is hard to control, since it readily spreads by birds and other animals who eat the berries and “deposit” the seeds wide and far. It is considered an invasive species in most of the eastern United States.
Burning bushes are a popular deciduous shrub, known for their vibrant red fall foliage. But beneath the flashy color lies a plant that spreads aggressively and outcompetes native species. So do burning bushes have berries?
An Overview of Burning Bushes
The burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is native to Asia but was introduced to North America in the 1860s as an ornamental plant It has become extremely popular for its red fall leaves and ability to thrive in diverse conditions.
The burning bush is a multi-stemmed, dense shrub growing 10-15 feet tall and wide. Its branches have distinctive corky ridges and winged stems. The leaves are oval, dark green, and up to 2.5 inches long.
In spring, small yellow-green flowers appear. These are followed by prolific berry production in late summer through fall.
Do Burning Bushes Produce Berries?
Yes, burning bushes bear substantial amounts of red berries in the fall. The berries ripen from late summer through autumn. Each berry contains 1-4 seeds.
The berries initially emerge yellow-green but turn bright red when ripe. They grow in clusters along the branches, weighing them down. A mature plant can yield hundreds to thousands of fruits per year.
The red berries offer a second striking fall display to complement the foliage. Many homeowners enjoy the showy fruits, which persist into winter after leaf drop.
The Problem With Burning Bush Berries
Although the berries provide visual interest, they also enable invasive spread.
Birds relish the fruits as a food source. After eating the berries, they disperse the seeds far and wide via their droppings. Seeds can travel miles from the parent plant.
The seeds readily germinate to form new shrubs. Shoots also sprout from the root system. Over time, burning bushes can take over areas, displacing native vegetation.
In the Midwest and East, burning bushes have escaped gardens into forests, fields, and natural areas. They threaten biodiversity by shading out wildflowers, ferns, tree seedlings, and more.
Several states now prohibit the sale and planting of this species due to its invasiveness. Great non-invasive alternatives exist like oakleaf hydrangea, fothergilla, and virginia sweetspire.
Growth Habits That Boost Berry Production
Certain growth habits of the burning bush result in prolific fruiting:
-
Fast growth rate – More growth provides more energy for fruit production.
-
Maturity – Older plants have the resources to bear heavier crops.
-
Full sun – Maximum sunlight aids fruiting.
-
Good soil – Fertile, moist, drained soil optimizes growth and fruiting.
-
Branching form – The bushy shape offers many flowering/fruiting sites.
-
Resilience – Few stresses reduce impacts on fruiting.
Is It Okay to Prune Fruiting Burning Bushes?
Many prune burning bushes annually but is this okay for fruiting plants?
Light pruning in late winter or early spring is beneficial. It stimulates new growth leading to more blooms and fruits. Follow these tips:
-
Prune lightly, removing 1/3 of stems at ground level. Severe pruning slows fruiting.
-
Thin inner branches to improve air flow and light penetration.
-
Cut back long shoots to shape the shrub. New growth has peak fruit production.
-
Prune right after flowering for maximum regrowth and yield.
-
Remove weak stems to direct energy into fruiting.
-
Disinfect tools between cuts to prevent disease transmission.
Enjoying Burning Bushes While Restricting Spread
Burning bushes remain popular for nostalgia, easy care, and fall color. To enjoy them without enabling invasiveness:
-
Remove seedlings to prevent maturation and seed production.
-
Deadhead spent flowers in spring to deter fruiting.
-
Clip off berry clusters after color change but before seed dispersal.
-
Bag and dispose of pruned stems and leaves to prevent spread from seeds.
-
Only plant non-fruiting cultivars like ‘Compactus’.
-
Gradually replace aging plants with non-invasive alternatives.
The Takeaway
Burning bushes bear abundant red berries that offer seasonal interest. However, the seeds also facilitate invasive spread. With diligence, you can carefully manage existing plants while transitioning to non-invasive alternatives for fabulous fall color.
Bloom Months
Burning bush blooms in the spring months.
Types of Burning Bush
At one time, several cultivars that were reputed to be sterile were available, but these varieties have since been shown to hybridize readily into fertile varieties, leading to further problems with invasive spread.
The native species is a fairly large plant that can grow up to 20 feet, so many of the cultivars are bred to be smaller, more manageable shrubs. There are several cultivars of burning bush available in the trade, including:
- Compactus: This is a semi-dwarf variety that grows to 9 to 10 feet tall, making it a more manageable landscape plant with many uses.
- Rudy Haag: This dwarf variety matures to be just 3 to 5 feet tall, making it the perfect compact option for a small landscape.
- Pipsqueak: This is another compact variety (at 5 feet tall).
- Apterus: With smooth stems rather than the distinctive ridges that appear on most varieties, this type reaches about 6 feet in height.
- Monstrosus: This variety has very pronounced ridges on its stems and can reach 15 to 20 feet tall at maturity.
Burning Bush, What Do Burning Bushes Look Like, Do Birds Eat Burning Bush Berries
FAQ
What are the berries on a burning bush?
Winterberry is a small shrub that produces large quantities of bright red berries that remain on the plant through the fall and into the winter. Adding this shrub to your yard will give it a unique splash of color and attract birds, especially after the leaves drop.
Why are burning bushes illegal?
Unfortunately, burning bush (including its cultivars) is now classified as an invasive species, and anyone wanting to buy a plant will be frustrated.
Can you eat burning bush berries?
Toxic Nature of Burning Bush
The leaves contain the highest concentration of toxic compounds, making them the most hazardous part of the plant. The berries pose a risk if ingested, especially for curious children or pets. Even the sap can be harmful upon skin contact, leading to irritation or allergic reactions.
Does a burning bush produce fruit?
Because its attractive fall color and eye-catching fruit are unique among shrubs, homeowners can be reluctant to remove burning bush from their yards.
Do Burning Bush berries eat berries?
Burning bush blooms with yellow-green flowers that appear in spring. Flowers are a prerequisite for the orange-red berries that appear in fall. But these berries are best avoided, as they can lead to rampant self-seeding. Birds and other wildlife will eat the berries, too, and help to spread the seeds outside your garden.
Do Burning Bush berries turn red?
The berries start out yellow-green, then turn bright red as they ripen. They grow in clusters along the stems and weigh down the branches. A mature burning bush can produce hundreds to thousands of fruits each year. The red berries provide a second striking fall display in addition to the red foliage.
Do burning bush plants grow well?
Almost any site and soil condition is sufficient when growing burning bush plants. Care of burning bush is minimal too, which makes the plant an excellent choice for even novice gardeners. The arching stems are decorated with clusters of finely pointed leaves that droop appealingly from the branch.
Does a burning bush Bloom?
Contrary to its name, the burning bush does not actually bloom; instead, it thrives in the full sun, captivating the landscape with its dazzling fall foliage. Being a deciduous plant, the seeds of the Burning Bush are dispersed in early spring, giving rise to numerous seedlings.
Do birds eat Burning Bush berries?
Birds find the fruits highly attractive as a food source. They disperse the seeds far and wide after eating the berries. Seeds may be carried miles away from the parent plant via bird droppings. The seeds germinate readily to form new burning bush shrubs. Seedlings and shoots also sprout from the spreading root system.
What is a burning bush plant?
The plant is from a large group of shrubs and small trees in the genus Euonymous. Native to Asia, this large bush has a natural open form that shows well in borders, beds and even containers. Almost any site and soil condition is sufficient when growing burning bush plants.