why are burning bushes illegal

Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) is illegal or banned in several U.S. states primarily because it is an invasive species. Its seeds are easily spread by birds and wildlife, allowing it to quickly establish itself in natural areas far from where it was originally planted. This rapid growth and spread lead to it outcompeting and displacing native plants, disrupting local ecosystems, reducing biodiversity, and altering habitat structures for native wildlife. Because of these ecological harms, states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, and others have banned or restricted the sale, propagation, and cultivation of burning bush to prevent further environmental damage. Additionally, the burning bush is also noted to be a fire hazard due to its oils, which can ignite and burn. However, the main reason for its illegality is ecological—its invasive nature causes significant environmental harm by dominating and disrupting native plant communities.