Burning Bush is a VERY popular landscaping plant in the United States. It grows well in a variety of soils, and has amazing fall color. But at least four states (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts) have outlawed its sale, and many others list it as invasive. Is it really such a problem in natural areas that it should be illegal to purchase? Plenty of people on the internet swear that they have owned Burning Bushes for decades with no indication of it being invasive. Is there any real evidence that Burning Bush escapes into natural areas and causes a problem for our native flora and fauna? This video adds some facts to the discussion.

Oak Haven is a 60acre private woodland in Southwestern Ohio near Cincinnati. Jim and Julie Varick both have degrees in Botany and over thirty years of experience in managing natural areas. They enjoy sharing their enthusiasm for the natural world and would like to build relationships with likeminded people to share knowledge and resources.