Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Euonymus alatus prefers even moisture for optimal health and vibrant foliage.
Also known as Burning Bush · Burning Bush Spindletree · Oriental Spindle-Tree
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus) is a popular ornamental shrub known for its striking winged branches and brilliant red 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 fall color, but tolerates partial shade. Avoid deep shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Adaptable; prefers well-drained soil
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
50% intensity
Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, thriving in USDA zones 4-8. Tolerates heat.
Moderate
50% intensity
Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts are toxic if ingested, causing gastrointestinal upset and potential cardiac issues.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Euonymus alatus prefers even moisture for optimal health and vibrant foliage.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Prune to maintain desired shape and size, or to encourage denser growth.
Heavy pruning can be done to rejuvenate older plants.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. Dip cuttings in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining potting mix. Keep moist and in a warm, humid location until roots form.
Repot young plants every 2-3 years, or when root-bound, in spring. Use a well-draining potting mix. For mature plants, top-dressing with fresh compost annually is sufficient to provide nutrients.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus)
Where Winged Euonymus (Euonymus alatus) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
| Species | Euonymus alatus |
Similar in genus Euonymus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data