Winged Euonymus - euonymus altus

This plant is nicknamed "Burning Bush" due to from the bright red color of its fall foliage. This plant is native to central and northern China, Japan, and Korea.

Winged Euonymus is unfortunately a common sight in New England, as it has been cultivated for its adaptability in shady urban and suburban areas as well as visual characteristics. The plant's niche of tolerable conditions is broad, and it can survive in many different soil types and pHs as well as a wide range of sun exposures. All these factors make it well-established, hardy and difficult to eliminate. On top of this, Winged Euonymus has no known pests or predators in New England.

What can you do to help stop the spread of this invasive plant?

• Spread awareness. Many people may not be aware of the threats of invasive species in general, or they may not know that this plant is invasive. Educate friends and neighbors to avoid purchasing and planting Winged Euonymus.
• Monitor your property. In June and September, check for Winged Euonymus in sunny and shady areas. Prevention is a great way to control the spread of invasive plants.
• Physical removal. Winged Euonymus can be pulled, dug up, or cut down; the most effective schedule for physical removal involves pulling or cutting the plant every month, to stunt the growth and prevent seed and berry production. The best time to cut is in the months before the plant flowers (before July).
• Chemical removal. If a plant is too stubborn or difficult to pull, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) procedure calls for the plant to be cut down to a 1-inch stump, and then applied with a glyphosate herbicide. This method is most effective in late summer to mid-September.

Images:

Top - the distinguishable "winged" branches of the bush

Center - The bush in spring or summer

Bottom - The brightly colored fall foliage of the bush

Japanese Barberry - berberis thunbergii

Japanese Barberry is a popular landscape shrub that has spread into many natural areas.  This plant can significantly raise the pH of the soil and have tremendous effects on the soil's nitrogen level. They also have a high seed production and good seed survival rate. Deer do not eat Barberry and it has been replacing many native species. In addition, the Japanese Barberry provides a wonderful habitat for ticks through all life stages. To remove, you can hand-pull the Japanese barberry before it produces berries in July.