The Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is a popular ornamental shrub recognized for its spectacular autumn display. Native to Northeastern Asia, it is often mistakenly thought to retain its leaves because of its intense seasonal color. It is a deciduous shrub, meaning it sheds all its leaves annually at the end of the growing season.
Deciduous Nature and Seasonal Foliage Cycle
A plant is classified as deciduous when it undergoes a period of complete leaf drop, a survival strategy in cold or dry climates. Throughout the spring and summer, the Burning Bush is covered in dense, elliptical leaves. These leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems and rely on chlorophyll for photosynthesis. The shrub maintains a dense, rounded shape, providing a reliable green backdrop in the garden. As the days shorten and temperatures drop in early autumn, the plant begins senescence, preparing to shed its foliage for the winter.
The Iconic Fall Coloration
The shrub earns its common name from the intense, fiery transformation of its leaves, which transition from green to brilliant crimson. This dramatic color change is a direct result of the plant’s preparation for dormancy. The green color is due to the high concentration of chlorophyll. As autumn approaches, the plant stops producing chlorophyll, and the existing pigment breaks down. This breakdown reveals other pigments, such as carotenoids, though the intense red is primarily caused by anthocyanins. These anthocyanin pigments are synthesized late in the season and accumulate in the leaf cells, creating the vibrant scarlet hue. The most spectacular color display occurs when the shrub is planted in full sun.
Winter Structure and Identifying Features
Once the leaves have dropped, the Burning Bush reveals its dormant appearance. The defining characteristic of the shrub’s structure is the conspicuous “corky wings” that protrude from the twigs. These ridges of bark run lengthwise along the stems, giving the plant its scientific epithet, alatus, which means “winged.” These corky outgrowths are present year-round but become the dominant visual feature. This winged structure makes the shrub easily identifiable even without its leaves. The bare branches, sometimes accompanied by small, persistent purplish-red fruits with orange seeds, contribute texture to the landscape during the coldest months.