Deciduous shrub 4 to 5 feet high and wide, prized for its brilliant red fall color. Twigs develop 2-4 corky ridges. Yellow-green, non-conspicuous flowers apper in May. Fruit is a pinkish-red capsule that ripens in September-October and dehisces to reveal an orange-red aril containing a single seed.
Burning bush has been widely planted in the Eastern United States as one of the most popular and easy-care landscaping shrubs. 'Rudy Haag' was selected at the Bernheim Arboretum for its dwarf habit.