Invasive Burning Bush

Identifying Burning bush

Late fall is a great time to identify Burning Bush, a severely invasive plant that is often planted as an ornamental. Green leaves transition to bright red and pink in the fall, giving the plant the burning color it's named for. Burning bush also has uniquely corky wings along its stem and branches, a characteristic not found in other area plants. 

Removing Burning Bush

From the Maine Natural Areas Program website: "Small plants and seedlings may be pulled up by the roots when soil is moist; larger plants can be cut, but re-sprouting will occur. Persistent cutting or mowing multiple times during the growing season over several years may kill the plant, but diligence is required. Mowing can prevent seedlings from establishing. Herbicides are effective as foliar applications or cut-stump applications."

More info

More information about burning bush can be found on the Maine Natural Areas Program website.