What can I plant instead of Burning Bush?

Chokecherry, Common Elderberry, Nannyberry, Grey Dogwood are native plants that fill the same garden role as Burning Bush and feed local wildlife.

Is Burning Bush invasive in Canada?

Burning Bush is treated as invasive in parts of Canada because it spreads out of gardens into natural areas. Native alternatives give you the same look without the spread.

Native alternatives to Burning Bush | Hortus

Why swap it

Burning bush is banned or discouraged in a growing number of jurisdictions because it seeds into woodlands and crowds out native understory. These native shrubs give you the same fiery autumn colour and feed local wildlife instead.

Native plants to grow instead

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1
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Eastern Whip-poor-will
2
Common Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
3
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
A bright yellow warbler in decline. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it feeds to its young.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
4
Grey Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush
5
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
This endangered butterfly can only raise its young on New Jersey Tea. Plant the shrub, save the butterfly.
Brings back: Mottled Duskywing
6
Northern Spicebush
Lindera benzoin
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its caterpillars can grow up on almost nothing but spicebush. Plant the shrub and you'll likely meet them.
Brings back: Canada Warbler, Spicebush Swallowtail
7
American Witch-Hazel
Hamamelis virginiana
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.
8
Shrubby Cinquefoil
Potentilla fruticosa
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.

Showing the 8 strongest of 64 native plants that fill the same role. Browse the full native library →

See what your yard could bring back

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