Euoynmus alatus

burning bush, winged burning bush, winged wahoo, winged euonymus, winged spindletree

Description: deciduous shrub

Place of origin: Temperate Asia, Central China, Japan, Korea

Urban habitat: Commonly found along roadways, at commercial, industrial and residential site; cold tolerant and able to thrive in a variety of soil types and lightconditions.

Ecological uses: food and habitat for wildlife

History: Euoynmus alatus was introduced to the U.S. around 1860 as an ornamental for landscaping. Despite its tendency to spread and overtake native plants, it remains a popular shrub for its hardiness and bright red foliage in the autumn. It is considered invasive in a number of northeastern U.S. states. Parts of the plant have been found to have medicinal uses to treat pain, diarrhea, constipation, lice, gynecological issues, and parasitic worms.