Euonymus alatus 'Compactus', dwarf winged euonymus
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Deciduous Shrubs

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

dwarf winged euonymus

Celastraceae

Northeastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea)

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageDeciduous
Height6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)
Width6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' (dwarf burning bush, compact winged euonymus) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia, reaching 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) tall and 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) wide in a dense, broadly rounded to flat-topped form. It is grown primarily for one of the most vivid and reliable fall color displays of any deciduous shrub: in October through November, the leaves turn brilliant luminous scarlet to magenta-red — a color so intense it has earned this plant the common name 'burning bush.' The fall color is consistent and reliable regardless of soil type or location, and it is among the earliest shrubs to display fall color in the PNW. The plant is identifiable year-round by its most diagnostic feature: the distinctive 2–4 corky, wing-like ridges that run longitudinally along the stems — visible on even young stems and highly prominent in winter after leaf fall. This corky wing development (*alatus* = winged in Latin) is unique to this species among common garden shrubs. Small inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers in May through June are followed by small reddish-purple fruits with orange seeds in fall — fruits and seeds are toxic to pets and humans. Gardeners in Pacific Northwest should be aware that *Euonymus alatus* is classified as invasive in many eastern North American states (Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and others); it is less problematic in the PNW due to different climate and dispersal conditions, but monitoring seedling establishment is prudent. Great Plant Picks endorsed.

Native Range

Native to northeastern Asia including China, Japan, and Korea, in open woodland, scrub, and rocky slopes at low to moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Grown primarily for its exceptional fall color — Great Plant Picks endorsed. The brilliant, reliable scarlet-red fall display is among the most dependable of any deciduous shrub across a wide range of conditions. Effective in masses for maximum fall color impact, in foundation plantings, and as an informal hedge. The corky-winged stems provide distinctive winter interest. The 'Compactus' cultivar's 6–8 foot size is more manageable than the species for most residential gardens. In PNW gardens, pairs well with late-season perennials (ornamental grasses, sedums) for coordinated fall interest. Note invasive status in eastern states; in the PNW, grow responsibly and remove seedlings.

How to Identify

Identified year-round by 2–4 distinctive corky wing-like ridges running longitudinally along the stems — the most diagnostic feature, visible at any season. Opposite, oval, finely serrated leaves 1–3 inches (2.5–8 cm) emerge bright green in spring. In October through November, brilliant scarlet to magenta-red fall color — among the earliest and most vivid of any deciduous shrub. Small reddish-purple fruits with orange seeds in fall (toxic). 'Compactus' is smaller (6–8 feet) than the species (8–12 feet) with a denser habit. The corky-winged stems are unmistakable and found on no other commonly grown garden shrub.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 8'
Width/Spread6' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

red

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks
J
F
M
A
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J
J
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S
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Spring
Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow four-petaled flowers 0.2 inch (5 mm) appear in May through June in small clusters along the branches — not ornamentally significant. Small reddish-purple capsular fruits with orange-red seeds ripen in October through November, coinciding with fall color; fruits and seeds are toxic to pets and children. The primary ornamental season is fall: brilliant scarlet to magenta-red leaf color in October through November, one of the earliest, most reliable, and most vivid fall color displays of any deciduous shrub.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish-yellow (inconspicuous)

Foliage Description

bright green in summer; brilliant scarlet to magenta-red in fall — among earliest and most vivid of any deciduous shrub

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 1-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

8-12 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Exceptionally adaptable — tolerates full sun to considerable shade, clay to sand, poor to moderately fertile soil, and drought when established. Best fall color in full sun; shaded plants still color but less intensely. No serious pest or disease problems in the PNW. Monitor for euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi) in humid conditions — tiny white or grayish shell-like insects along stems; treat with horticultural oil if present. Fruits and seeds are toxic — do not plant where children or pets have unsupervised access to the fallen fruit. In the PNW, bird-dispersed seedlings are less common than in eastern North America, but monitor surroundings and remove seedlings to prevent spread into natural areas.

Pruning

Prune in late winter (February through March) before growth begins. 'Compactus' has a naturally dense, rounded habit that requires little corrective shaping. Lightly trim to maintain desired size; the plant tolerates shearing but this reduces the natural loose form. For rejuvenation, cut the entire plant to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) in late winter — it regenerates vigorously. The distinctive corky wings are best appreciated when the plant is pruned minimally and the stem structure remains visible through summer.

Pruning Schedule

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early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans