Thinking about planting a Burning Bush in your North Carolina garden? You’re not alone — it’s a popular shrub, beloved for its fiery red fall foliage. But before you get too excited, here’s something to know: Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) is considered invasive in many parts of North Carolina, and depending on who you ask, should probably be banned across the entire Eastern United States.
Let’s explore why — and which native alternatives offer the same seasonal beauty without harming the local ecosystem.
So… What’s the Big Problem with Burning Bush?
Originally from Asia, Burning Bush was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental shrub. It’s hardy, low-maintenance, and turns scarlet in the fall; which all sounds great.
It’s actually the berries that are the problem — and what happens after birds eat them. Birds love the bright, fleshy fruit and spread the seeds far and wide (you know how). Because Burning Bush isn’t native, it has no natural checks here. It grows quickly, forming dense thickets that outcompete native shrubs and wildflowers for light, space, and nutrients.
And here’s the real snag: Burning Bush doesn’t support our local pollinators. Its leaves and flowers don’t offer the nourishment or shelter that native insects and pollinators rely on. So, what looks like a lush hedge to us is, ecologically speaking, a food desert to them.
In fact, North Carolina’s Department of Agriculture discourages planting Burning Bush in most counties — and it’s banned in many neighboring states.
The Good News?
You don’t have to sacrifice color or privacy. Here are native shrubs that are beautiful, low-maintenance, and buzzing with life:
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
This one’s a stunner for fall color — deep crimson melting into warm orange. In spring, it puts on a show of fragrant white flowers that pollinators love. Perfect for slopes, damp spots, and anyone who fancies their garden alive with butterflies. Low fuss, high reward.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
If your garden’s a bit shady, this shrub brings serious drama. Burgundy-red foliage in autumn, yes — but the real spectacle is the summer bloom: bold, cone-shaped white flower clusters. It’s textured, eye-catching, and a wonderful addition to any garden or lawn.
Fothergilla (Fothergilla major)
Ah, Fothergilla. Sounds like a British lord, behaves like a floral firecracker. Spring brings sweet-smelling bottlebrush blooms; autumn delivers a riot of yellow, orange, and red. Great for foundations or adding spark to a border. Proper garden charisma that deer may nibble, but won’t devour.
Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.)
The overachiever of the bunch. In spring, bell-shaped blooms; in summer, juicy berries (which you could share with the birds); and in fall, that rich red foliage. Ideal for edible landscapes and native gardens — and worth planting just to sneak a few berries yourself.
Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia or A. melanocarpa)
The name’s off-putting, but the plant’s a gem. Blazing red fall leaves, tidy white spring flowers, and berries that birds absolutely love. Excellent in rain gardens and wildlife edges. It’ll stand tall in puddles while others are phoning it in. Careful though: the deer like it too.
Already Have a Burning Bush?
No need to panic. You don’t have to rip it out today — but do manage it. Trim back flowers or berries to prevent berry spread, and consider gradually replacing it with native shrubs that give back to the land.
Need more information on Burning Bush, our stance regarding this invasive plant, and additional alternatives? Just click for more NC Burning Bush information!