The deciduous shrub known as the Burning Bush, Euonymus alatus, has been a staple in North American landscaping for decades. Its popularity stems from its dramatic fall display, where small, dark green summer leaves transform into a brilliant, almost neon crimson hue. This intense color, combined with the plant’s general hardiness, has made it a highly sought-after ornamental plant.
Legal Status and Regional Restrictions
The intense desire for this vivid fall color has led to a significant ecological problem across the eastern and midwestern United States. Euonymus alatus is classified as an invasive species in over 20 states because it aggressively escapes cultivation. Birds consume the small, orange-red seeds and disperse them into natural areas, where the shrub outcompetes native vegetation. It is highly shade-tolerant, allowing it to establish dense thickets in forest understories, displacing plants necessary to support local wildlife.
Due to this environmental impact, many states have introduced restrictions or outright bans on the sale, transport, and cultivation of the Burning Bush. States in the Northeast, such as Delaware and New York, have prohibited its sale, and Pennsylvania added it to its noxious weed list with a ban taking effect in 2025. Before purchasing or planting this shrub, check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or a county extension office. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties, with some jurisdictions imposing fines up to $100 per plant.
Retail Sources for Purchase
Despite its restricted status in many areas, the Burning Bush remains widely available through various vendors in regions where no ban is yet enforced. Local nurseries and independent garden centers often carry the shrub and can provide expert advice specific to your microclimate. These smaller retailers may also be more knowledgeable about local ordinances, and some may stock less-invasive cultivars or native alternatives. However, their inventory is often seasonal, peaking during the spring and fall planting windows.
Big box stores, such as national home improvement chains, typically offer the Burning Bush at competitive prices due to bulk purchasing. While convenient, their stock is usually limited to the common varieties, and staff may not be fully aware of local invasive species laws outside of the most stringent bans. It is possible these stores may still sell the plant even in areas with only partial restrictions or labeling requirements.
Online vendors provide the widest selection, including compact cultivars like ‘Compactus’ and the dwarf ‘Rudy Haag,’ which matures to a height of only three to five feet. When ordering online, the nursery is obligated to comply with your state’s shipping restrictions. If your region has a complete ban, the plant will not be shipped to your address, making checking local regulations necessary before ordering.
Selecting and Initial Placement Considerations
When purchasing a Burning Bush, examine the plant for signs of a healthy root system. A healthy specimen should have roots that hold the soil together firmly without tightly circling the pot, which indicates it is root-bound. For a smaller landscape footprint, look for the ‘Rudy Haag’ cultivar, which is significantly smaller than the standard E. alatus (up to 20 feet tall). The dwarf ‘Compactus’ is also a popular choice, typically reaching a height of around 10 feet.
To ensure the shrub develops intense crimson coloration in the fall, it requires maximum sun exposure. While the plant can tolerate partial shade, insufficient sunlight results in a muted pink or reddish-bronze color instead of the vibrant scarlet. The planting location should also have well-drained soil, as the Burning Bush does not tolerate wet, poorly-drained conditions, which can lead to problems like twig blight. Proper initial placement is the most important factor in achieving the plant’s full aesthetic potential.
Native Alternatives for Intense Fall Color
For gardeners in areas where the Burning Bush is banned or who prefer an ecologically responsible option, several native shrubs offer spectacular fall foliage. These species deliver dramatic color without damaging local ecosystems.
- Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa): This tough, adaptable shrub produces dark green leaves that turn brilliant crimson and purple in autumn. It also offers white spring flowers and dark berries that are valuable food sources for birds.
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica): This deciduous shrub features long, fragrant, white flower clusters in the summer. Its foliage reliably turns a striking reddish-purple in the fall.
- Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii): A compact shrub that provides three seasons of interest. It transitions from bottle-brush-like white flowers in spring to a vivid mosaic of yellow, orange, and red leaves in the fall.
- Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatic): A drought-tolerant option, the ‘Gro-Low’ cultivar provides a low-growing mass of leaves that turn shades of red, orange, and yellow.