Burning Bush Euonymus

Q: Can you identify these trees that are found on the campus of Berry College?

A: Burning bush euonymus (Euonymus alatus) is pretty much a one-trick pony plant. For much of the year it is a nondescript green “background plant”. It’s tough, it’s hardy….but it really doesn’t do much for eleven months of the year.

Then comes November and all of a sudden it is spectacular. The vivid red leaves catch the eye of anyone who passes.

If you don’t mind waiting for the two weeks a year that it is beautiful, burning bush is a good landscape choice.