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Invasive Species Alert: Burning Bush
Who doesn’t love a plant that’s easy to grow and care for and produces a beautiful color in the fall? We know we do! We don’t like when those plants are invasive to our area.
One of those invasive plants is burning bush.
Burning Bush Is Classified As A Noxious Weed
Burning bush, also known as winged euonymus, winged burning bush, or winged spindle tree is a showy deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia to middle China that was introduced to the United States in 1860 as an ornamental. It became very popular with homes and commercial buildings as a hedge for its brilliant red color in the fall and ease of care.
Like tree of heaven, burning bush is classified as a noxious weed as per the Missouri Botanical Garden: “This plant is listed as a noxious weed in one or more Midwestern states outside Missouri and should not be moved or grown under conditions that would involve danger of dissemination.”
Burning Bush Disrupts Native Habitats
Burning bush is not good in our native Missouri habitats as they crowd out beneficial native species, disrupting habitats. Disrupted habitats result in a lack of biodiversity, which harms plants, animals, and humans.
Call Hansen’s ISA-Certified Arborists To Remove Burning Bush
Invasive species take a toll on not only the environment but have human and economic costs, with removal and control costs estimated at $100 billion annually. They can also reduce property values!
Burning bush can be removed via herbicides or manual removal. Wear protective clothing and gloves when removing seedlings by hand to prevent injury. Be sure to get the entire root system of the sapling, as root fragments left behind can grow new sprouts.
For removal, contact the ISA-certified arborists at Hansen’s Tree Service. We are certified, educated, and insured to remove invasive shrubs like burning bush from your property safely.