Which plant is commonly called the Burning Bush?

The plant commonly referred to as the Burning Bush is Euonymus alatus 'Compacta.' This deciduous shrub is well-known for its striking fall foliage, which turns brilliant red, resembling flames, hence its common name. The dense, compact form of the 'Compacta' variety makes it a popular choice for landscaping and garden design.

In addition to its visual appeal during autumn, the Burning Bush also has interesting features during other seasons. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring and attractive, winged seeds in the autumn, contributing to its overall ornamental value.

When comparing it to the other options, while Forsythia is valued for its early spring blooms, its foliage does not have the intense red coloration characteristic of Burning Bush. Kerria japonica 'Pleniflora' is known for its yellow flowers but does not exhibit the dramatic color change in fall. Fothergilla gardenii, although an attractive plant with fragrant spring flowers and good fall color, is not the same as Burning Bush and doesn't typically achieve the same vivid red hues in autumn. Thus, Euonymus alatus 'Compacta' stands out as the quintessential Burning Bush.