Saturday, October 17, 2009

Fall Today: Burning Bush

There are several beautiful burning bush (Euonymus alatus) plants in my neighborhood. Every time I go running, I think I should take a picture of one for my blog.

Today, in Exeter, I finally got my wish. Bonus points if you can spot the hidden Bailey in this picture!

The burning bush is an invasive species in New England, and its sale is prohibited in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. (I feel like I have to say that, lest I inspire people to try to plant them around here!) The existing plants are definitely beautiful in the fall.

9 comments:

Sara said...

Bailey is between both of the bushes (back right of the photo)

They are beautiful bushes!!!

Life Looms Large said...

Maybe Bailey wasn't quite as hidden as he seemed when I was editing the photos!! It's funny how he finds his way into them.....He's a bit of a ham!

Sue

skiingweaver said...

Bailey is too cute... They are gorgeous bushes, aren't they? Just like the purple loosestrife that pops up everywhere in August - lovely, but invasive, wah. :(

charlotte said...

The bush is gorgeous! Why is it prohibited, it so invasive that it is a problem to native species? Do you know where it originates from?

Delighted Hands said...

The scarlet is stunning! I think dogs like this time of year the best.

Jennifer said...

WOW - the burning bush is beautiful! Ours are just starting and I'm looking forward to it!
Sweet Bailey hanging out while you take the photos! His white areas help him stand out!

Anonymous said...

We had 2 burning bushes at our house when we moved here - but when we re-did our front garden beds, we removed them. On one hand I was sad to see their pretty Fall color go - but we wanted to have bushes that more represented what would be "naturally" found in NH, so out it went!! There's still a HUGE one at the end of our road - it's very bright red right now like the one in your photo. Pretty!

bspinner said...

Never realized that the burning bush invasive. Even so I sure do like them. Bailey is a camera ham. What a cutie!!!

Life Looms Large said...

Thanks for the burning bush photo compliments!!! I appreciate them!

In general, invasive species cause problems because they crowd out native species since they aren't susceptible to diseases or pests here, and they aren't a food source for other animals.

I haven't actually seen burning bush behave in an invasive way. I don't think I've ever seen one that wasn't intentionally planted. It might be that this area of NH doesn't have a problem with them, but that they could be a problem somewhere else in the state. The bush is native in eastern Asia.

Sue