Burning bush vs Red chokeberry 'Brilliantissima'
Burning bush is grown for one thing, its scarlet autumn colour, and its seed is spread by birds into woods, where it is listed as invasive in many states. Red chokeberry 'Brilliantissima' is the native stand-in: just as red in autumn, with white flowers in spring and red berries that last into winter.
 Burning bushEuonymus alatus |  Red chokeberry 'Brilliantissima'Aronia arbutifolia 'Brilliantissima' | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 11½ ft tall, 11½ ft wide | 7 ft tall, 4½ ft wide |
| Plant | 8 ft apart | 3½ ft apart |
| Zones | 4 to 8 | 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun to part shade | Full sun to part sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, average fertility | Evenly moist, average fertility |
| Flowers | None | Early May to late May; white |
| Leaves | Medium, deciduous | Medium, deciduous |
| Job in a bed | Anchor | Anchor |
| Pets | Toxic (moderate) | No toxicity recorded |
| Deer | Not listed as resistant | Not listed as resistant |
| Native | No | Variety of a native |
| Spread | Invasive in places | Moderate risk |
Rows where they differ are marked. Flowering times are for zone 5.
Which to choose
- Choose burning bush for more shade, dry summers and more height (11½ ft against 7 ft).
- Choose red chokeberry 'Brilliantissima' for warmer gardens (to zone 9), moist soil, a garden with pets, a native garden, a plant that stays put (the other is invasive in places), a longer show (4 weeks of flower against 0) and a smaller space (7 ft against 11½ ft).
Read more: all about burning bush, and all about red chokeberry 'Brilliantissima', each with a bed the planner designed around it.