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Exotic Burning Bush Invasive Species Profile

Exotic burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is native to northeast Asia and central China. It was introduced in the United States in the 1860s and it still widely planted today as an ornamental due to its brightly colored fall foliage. Unfortunately, it has spread from landscaping plantings and has become invasive in native habitats. The native burning bush (Euonymus atropurpureus), commonly known as eastern wahoo, is unfortunately lesser known and nurseries and greenhouses often only carry the exotic varieties.  Exotic burning bush is a very large dense shrub that can grow in nearly any habitat except those with poorly drained soils. It shades or crowds out native vegetation due to its large, dense growth.

burning bushes in landscaping planting
Exotic Burning Bush - Photo by Leslie J Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Habitat: Will grow in nearly any area from forest to prairie; doesn’t grow in wet areas. Most common invasions are in wooded areas.

Hardiness: Zone 4

Mature Shape: Large shrub

Height: Up to 20 feet tall

Site Requirements: prefers dry or moist soils; doesn’t grow in poorly drained areas

Leaves: simple, opposite, elliptical, finely toothed, 1-3 inches long, half inch to inch and a quarter inch wide, short petioles, bright pink or red in the fall

Flowering Dates: May to early June

burning bush twig with extensions that look like paddles or wings
Burning bush twigs with "wings" - Photo by Bary Rice, Sarracenia.com, Bugwood.org

Exotic burning bush is also sometimes called winged wahoo burning bush due to the “wings” that grow on the sides of the twigs. Twigs are green when young, and eventually turn brown. Bark on older plants is smooth; gray on the outside and pale on the inside.

Flowers are one third of an inch across and greenish yellow with 4 petals. They grow in clusters of 3. Fruits are red capsules that open to reveal red seeds.

The native burning bush, eastern wahoo, lacks winged stems and has purple-red flowers instead of greenish yellow flowers.

Control Methods

Avoiding the use of exotic burning bush in landscaping can help prevent their spread into nearby natural areas.  Once this plant escapes cultivation, control can be difficult, especially after it has become large and established. Cutting the plant and treating with herbicide is likely the most effective method. Read more about control of burning bush and other invasive species in our Chemical Control of Unwanted Vegetation article.

burning bush plant with green foliage
Burning bush plant - Photo by John Ruter, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

burning bush green foliage
Burning bush leaves - Photo by Adam Janke, Iowa State University

  

burning bush infestation in the woods
Burning bush infestation - Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

burning bush bark on mature plant
Burning bush bark - Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

burning bush infestation in the fall
Burning bush infestation in the fall - Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese Barberry Invasive Species Profile

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a small to medium, dense shrub that was originally planted as hedges in landscaping but has spread to native habitats. Japanese barberry is capable of changing soil characteristics in order to help itself outcompete native plants and also has early spring leaf emergence that allows it to shade out any nearby competitors. The native Midwestern barberry Berberis Canadensis and the introduced Berberis vulgaris were successfully eliminated through a federal eradication program because they are able to host black stem rust, which kills small grain crops. Japanese barberry is not a host for this agricultural pest so efforts to eliminate it due to its invasive nature have been less systematic and efficient.

Japanese barberry shrub in the fall with red foliage
Japanese Barberry Plant - Photo by Adam Janke, Iowa State University

Habitat: Woodlands, trails, roadsides, fencerows, pastures, bottomlands, and highly disturbed areas

Hardiness: Zone 4

Mature Shape: Shrub

Height: 2-8 feet

Site Requirements: Shade tolerant; grows in various soil types but does best in well-drained soil

Leaves: simple, alternate, oval, untoothed with elongated petioles, 0.5 to 1.5 inches long; grow in clusters; turn yellow, orange, red, or purplish in the fall

Flowering Period: May

Japanese barberry twigs are ridged with spines. Newer twigs and stems turn reddish in the winter and become gray as they age. Inner bark is yellow on the branches and roots.

Flowers are one-third of an inch wide and are yellow. They can be single or can grow in small clusters of 2-4 with stems coming from a single point. Japanese barberry produces small, bright red, egg-shaped berries which remain on the plant even after the leaves have fallen.

Control Methods

Use of Japanese barberry and other invasive species in landscaping contributes to their spread into natural areas. Avoiding the use of these species is the first step to helping control their invasion.

In addition to spreading through seed dispersal, Japanese barberry is able to form rhizomes (underground horizontal stems) and spread via roots so it is necessary to remove all connecting roots when digging the plant up. Once large plants are removed, regular mowing where possible can be effective. Spring prescribed fire can also be used for control. Even after plants have been removed treatment may have to be continued for a few years as seeds sprout. See our Chemical Control of Unwanted Vegetation article for specific herbicides and application methods.

Japanese barberry infestation
Japanese Barberry Infestation - Photo by Andy Bartlett, Iowa DNR

Japanese barberry infestation
Japanese Barberry Infestation - Photo by Brian Button, Iowa DNR

clusters of yellow japanese barberry flowers
Japanese Barberry Flowers - Photo by Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry twigs with thorns
Japanese Barberry Twigs - Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

two Japanese barberry bushes, one with neon green leaves and one with purple leaves
Japanese Barberry Bushes - Photo by Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry red berries
Japanese Barberry Fruit - Photo by Adam Janke, Iowa