Burning bush is an invasive plant. An invasive plant is a plant species that is non-native to the location being considered and whose presence and spread negatively impacts (or is likely to impact) ecological, economic, or human health.
This plant spreads by seed. Burning bush is native to Asia, but has been planted as a landscape shrub for many decades. It now commonly grows in woodland and disturbed sites. It is found throughout the Midwestern, mid-Atlantic, and New England states. Birds and animals eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. Seedlings can develop into thickets that may compete with native plants and reduce plant diversity. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this shrub is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.
There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of burning bush. More desirable species may be found using the Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on these species, and make sure the plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Staff tree
- Family (botanic) Celastraceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Medium shrub (5-8 feet), Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Occasional drought, Road salt
- Season of interest early fall, mid fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Broad, Multi-stemmed, Oval, Round
- Growth rate Slow
