Burning Bush vs Wild Privet - TreeTime.ca

Burning Bush vs Wild Privet

Ligustrum vulgare

Euonymus alatus

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Wild Privet
Burning Bush

Wild Privet is a fast growing ornamental shrub that is well suited for forming hedges and privacy screens. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They have small white flowers, though the smell is often considered unpleasant. While the berries are inedible, they are a good food source for many bird species.

It is recommended to prune Wild Privet immediately after flowering, as it can readily self seed. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. It can grow in dry areas, on slopes, and withstand the wind making it well suited for many growing conditions.

Burning Bush is a unique shrub whose leaves turn firey red in the fall. You can plant it in rows to make a hedge or on its own. Burning Bush requires little maintenance and thrives in just about any kind of soil, which makes it a good choice for inexperienced growers. Plant it in full sun to get its best fall color.

Note: Burning Bush is considered an invasive species in eastern North America. Please plant the right tree in the right place.

Wild Privet Quick Facts

Burning Bush Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium

Toxicity: If ingested, all parts of this plant will cause severe discomfort. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Fall colour: fiery red
Flowers: white
Flowers: yellow-green
Berries: black
Berries: reddish purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: common privet, european privet
Other Names: winged burning bush, winged euonymus, winged spindle