How to identify Burning bush (Euonymus alatus)
Burning bush, also known as Winged spindle, Winged burning bush
Burning bush is known for its unique winged branches, a distinctive feature that gives the appearance of four narrow, corky ridges running along the length of each branch. In the fall, it showcases a brilliant display of scarlet red leaves, which stand out in any landscape. The small, inconspicuous flowers are a yellowish-green, typically blooming in May or June. This deciduous shrub can grow to approximately 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters) tall and equally wide, with a rounded, spreading habit. The small, dangling fruits mature in the autumn to a reddish-purple hue and can persist into winter.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Distinctive corky ridges along winged branches.
Scarlet red leaves in fall, small yellowish-green flowers.
Eye-catching obovoid fruit with vibrant colored aril.
Elliptic to obovate leaves, serrated edges, red fall color.
Green to greenish-brown stem with prominent corky wings.
Burning bush features elliptic to obovate leaves, measuring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.5 cm) long and 1/2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) wide. These leaves are medium to dark green, often appearing in opposite to sub-opposite pairs. Edges are finely serrated, sometimes described as crenulate to serrulate. The texture is simple, and the leaves showcase an excellent red color in the fall. The vein pattern is typical and consistent with other species in its genus.
The flowers of burning bush are non-showy, small, and measure about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) long and 0.33 inches (0.84 cm) wide. Each flower features four petals with a greenish-maroon hue. They are arranged in a 3-flowered cyme, which is axillary in position. The petals are yellow-green in color. These features make them distinctive and are crucial for identifying the plant. The blooming period typically occurs in mid to late spring.
The stem of burning bush is green to greenish-brown, with notable alate features characterized by 2 to 4 prominent corky wings measuring 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) wide. New growth on the stem is reddish-green, providing a distinct contrast. The texture is notably corky due to the wings, which are key identifiers. Stems exhibit a moderate thickness and a branching pattern that is fairly regular, adding to their unique appearance.
The distinctive fruit of burning bush is an eye-catching feature, particularly in fall when it fully ripens. Each small obovoid fruit measures approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in length and is encapsulated within a vividly colored, dehiscent capsule. The capsule itself bears hues ranging from red and pink to ivory and yellow. Upon maturation, this capsule notably splits open to reveal its inner contents—an orange-red aril that snugly envelops a single seed. This bright aril, against the contrasting capsule, provides a striking visual presentation that also appeals to bird species, aiding in the dissemination of the seeds.
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Scientific Classification of Burning bush
