Description
Winged burning bush is a deciduous shrub, up to 20 ft. in height, which invades forests throughout the eastern United States. Four corky, "winged" ridges appear along the length of young stems. The opposite, dark green leaves are < 2 in. long, smooth, rounded and taper at the tips. The leaves turn a bright crimson to purplish color in the fall. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish yellow and have 4 petals. Flowers develop in the spring and lay flat against the leaves. Fruit are reddish capsules that split to reveal orange fleshy seeds. Winged burning bush can invade a variety of disturbed habitats including forest edges, old fields, and roadsides. Birds readily disperse the seeds, allowing for many long dispersal events. Once established, it can form dense thickets that displace native vegetation. Winged burning bush is native to northeastern Asia and was first introduced into North America in the 1860s for ornamental purposes. While it's now illegal to sell burning bush in some states, it continues to be sold and planted as an ornamental or roadside hedge here in Maine. If you love that bright red fall color, consider high bush blueberry as an alternative.

Reproductive/Dispersal Mechanisms
The fruits of Euonymus alata are usually dispersed by birds. They also drop just below the plant, creating a "seed shadow."

Habitats in New England
Abandoned Field, Early Successional Forest, Edge, Pasture, Planted Forest, Railroad Right-of-Way, Roadside, Utility Right-of-Way, Vacant Lot, Yard or Garden. Euonymus alata can be located in habitats ranging from full sun to full shade. It can also tolerate a variety of soil types and pH levels. It grows well in well-drained soils and does not tolerate water-logged soils as readily. It is found not only in open or disturbed areas but also in forests as understory plants.

Threats
Since the seeds of Euonymus alata are bird dispersed, it has spread extensively from plantings. Euonymus alata plants have been observed in dense thickets, threatening native plants by crowding and shading. Below the plant there is often a seed shadow where hundreds of seedlings can be found. It threatens a variety of habitats such as forests, coastal scrublands, fields and prairies. This plant continues to be used as an ornamental, thus continuing its spread in the region.