Euonymus alatus

Question

You speak positively about Euonymus alatus as a landscape plant. Do you not know that it is a non-native invasive plant? It is seeding itself throughout our native woodlands. It is illegal to sell in many states. It is bad for birds, since the tempting red berries have little food value and birds fill up on them, leaving the birds mal-nourished and unable to complete their fall migration.
Could you do some research and add warnings to your readers?
Thank you.
Janet Simmon
[e-mail]

Answer 1

What most nurseries grow and sell today is a variety of burning bush that is known as a compact variety. The botanical name is Euonymus Alatus Compacta. Commonly called Dwarf Compact Burning Bush. But calling them “compact” is really misleading, because both varieties grow 12′ tall or taller.

Then there’s the old fashioned Burning Bush. Botanical name Euonymus Alatus. Commonly known as “Winged Burning Bush” because this variety has a much more pronounced wing on the stems. This is the plant most often appearing on invasive species lists.

Check with your local County Extension Office for a list of invasive species in your area.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search