M. O. S. E. S. - Euonymous alata

It is common knowledge throughout the world in any number of cultures and faiths that Moses went atop Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, and came back with God's 15... nay, 10 Commandments. We accept that when fleeing Egypt he asked God's help and the Red Sea was parted for the Isrealites to continue fleeing. And we take for granted that he spoke with God through a burning bush that was not consumed by fire. Ahem, what? A bush that was not consumed by fire? If we had to translate this literally into existing plant terms, we'd say "Phooey! There's no such thing as a flame retardant bush!" But what if there was though? Or at least, if there appeared to be? I'm not suggesting some sort of asbestos covered shrub, rather, could it have been Euonymous alata, the Burning Bush?


Now, it's not a far stretch to get "Burning Bush" from the burning bush story. But the reason for Euonymous alata's common name is the incredible bright red fall color that really looks like the whole shrub is engulfed in vibrant red flames. Of course, I've never heard God speak through one yet, but I'm not Moses. I don't even think we're cousins. So that explains that. After the leaves fall however, this incredible specimen continues to hold winter interest. The name "alata" in Latin means "winged", and the branches of this bush actually are winged. Small vertical wings of modified cork cells extend out from 4 sides of each twig, one of the most unique features you'll find in the winter landscape. Wings! The things's got wings!


Expect a winged Euonymous to get about 8-12' high and have a full habit. It doesn't like soils too dry or too wet, but moist and well-drained, although I have seen them do fine on lakeshore properties. Full sun is preferred and part shade is tolerated, but as always more is better, especially to ensure the fullness of fall color you'll be looking for. Watch for unwanted seedlings with Burning Bush, as they do have a tendency to re-seed and create somewhat invasive outcroppings. This has put them on the 'undesireables' list in a few states, namely Massachusetts and New Hampshire where its illegal to sell them. As natives to China and Japan you'll find these survive well between Zones 4-8, although I don't think Moses ever made it that far.


If nothing else, Burning Bush is fun to say. Burning Bush. In all likeliness, God probably won't deliver you divine messages if you plant one, but hey, maybe. Euonymous alata is the only Garden Manscape shrub to have been discussed in the Bible, and that's gotta mean something. Take a cue from Moses; go talk to a bush. Make it a Burning Bush.



photo credit:
1] http://worshippingchristian.org/images/blog/burning_bush.jpg
2] http://www.invasive.org/images/1536x1024/2307068.jpg
3] http://www.nd.gov/fac/images/Burning%20Bush.jpg
4] http://plantwithme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/IMG_0167.jpg