Also known as Bitter-Ash · Burning-Bush Euonymus · Eastern Burning-Bush
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree noted for its striking red fruit and brilliant scarlet fall foliage.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and color, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and dry spells. Water deeply.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Tolerant
25% intensity
Hardy in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.
Light
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Established plants are moderately drought-tolerant.
Aim for deep watering to encourage robust root development.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain shape and encourage airflow. Light pruning can be done after flowering to shape the plant.
Propagate from seed, which requires stratification (a period of cold, moist treatment). Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken in summer and rooted under mist. Successful propagation requires patience.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in spring as needed. Mature plants generally do not require frequent repotting and prefer to be slightly root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus)
Where Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus) is found
Density
Tap map to explore
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
| Species | Euonymus atropurpureus |
Similar in genus Euonymus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
