photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus)
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
 Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org |
Form:
Deciduous shrub that can grow to 8’ high. The most distinguishing features of this plant are the 2-4 broad, corky wings along the branches. However, sometimes individuals may lack wings (as in the cultivar, Compactus). The branches of Euonymus alata are gray-brown in color.
Leaves:
The leaves are 1-3” long, 0.5-1.25” wide, taper at both ends, and are positioned opposite to sub-opposite along the branches. They have short petioles, are finely and sharply serrate at the margins. This plant is very conspicuous in the fall as the leaves turn from dark green to a bright red.
Flowers:
The inconspicuous flowers of Euonymus alata appear in late April to June. They usually have four greenish-yellow petals, and are arranged with 1-3 flowers in a cyme.
Fruits & Seeds:
The fruit appear from September to October and are 0.5” long. The ovary walls are red-purple, and split open to reveal up to 4 seeds with waxy red-orange arils.
Tier 3 - Presence is of Interest
The species that occur in this tier are likely ornamental escapes. It is not known whether they are established and/or spreading within Cleveland Metroparks. The ecological impact is poorly known for these species.
Action: The presence of these plants should be recorded by approximating the number of plants. Initial population numbers are likely small.
