burning bush

noun

: any of several plants associated with fire (as by redness): such as

a

: wahoo entry 2

b

: summer cypress

c

: a deciduous Asian shrub (Euonymus alatus) of the staff-tree family having stems with corky wings and leaves that turn a brilliant red in autumn

Examples of burning bush in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Familiar and even beloved garden plants can be seriously invasive, such as Callery or Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana), burning bush (Euonymus alatus) and reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). —Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2026

Once a go-to shrub for its brilliant fall color, burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is now widely recognized as invasive. —Adrienne Jordan, Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026

Burning Bush Known for its striking bright red foliage in the fall, burning bush (Euonymus alatus) makes a stunning accent plant for some parts of the landscape. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026

Grow favorites such as mint in containers and opt for sterile versions of butterfly bush and winged burning bush to avoid invasive issues. —Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for burning bush

• ambush
• rosebush
• saltbush
• push
• tush