Burning Bush Shrub
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus), also called winged euonymus or winged spindle, is a deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant crimson fall foliage, subtle spring flowers, and red-orange berries. Native to northeastern Asia, it is widely used in landscapes but is invasive in parts of North America.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Housewarming
- Autumn/harvest celebrations
- Corporate or office landscaping gifts
- Landscape renovation projects
- Thanksgiving host gift
Suitable for
- Gardeners and plant enthusiasts
- New homeowners/neighbors
- Colleagues or clients (landscape gift)
- Landscape designers/HOAs (where permitted)
- Friends who love autumn color
Color taboos
- None widely recognized
- Bright red foliage may feel too bold for condolence/mourning settings in some cultures
- High‑contrast red can clash with minimalist or zen palettes
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Family: Celastraceae; Genus: Euonymus; Species: Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold; Common names: burning bush, winged euonymus, winged spindle.
Distribution
Native to northeastern Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Far East). Widely cultivated; naturalized/invasive across much of the eastern and midwestern United States and parts of southern Canada; occasional in Europe.
Conservation
Not threatened in its native range, but widely invasive in eastern and midwestern North America; banned or restricted in several states/provinces. Displaces native understory plants—consider regionally native alternatives where regulated.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Gift as a healthy, labeled container plant with care tag and note on regional invasiveness/toxicity. Confirm it’s legal and appropriate for the recipient’s area; suggest native alternatives if restricted. Present with berries removed or bagged if children/pets are around. Provide planting location guidance (full sun for best color).
Ideal delivery time
Deliver as a container shrub in early spring or early fall for best establishment, during the cool part of the day.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Mild to moderately toxic if ingested; berries/seeds most concerning. Symptoms (humans, dogs, cats, livestock) may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness—severe cases are rare but possible with large quantities. Birds eat and disperse seeds. Keep away from children and pets; not for consumption.
Allergenicity
Low. Inconspicuous, insect‑pollinated flowers produce little airborne pollen; handling sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
A vivid emblem of change and the fiery energy of autumn, burning bush symbolizes transformation, passion, and resilient protection—celebrating cycles of renewal and harvest abundance.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Hardiness zones 4–8. Best fall color in full sun; tolerates partial shade. Adaptable to many well‑drained soils; moderate drought tolerance once established. Space 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m) depending on cultivar/hedge use. Prune late winter or after leaf drop; can be sheared for hedges. Remove/collect berries to limit spread; pull volunteer seedlings. Watch for euonymus scale; improve air circulation and treat if needed. Avoid planting adjacent to natural areas in regions where invasive or prohibited.
Recommended tools
- Bypass pruners
- Loppers
- Spade/shovel
- Gardening gloves
- Mulch
- Soaker hose/drip line
Symbolizes
- Transformation
- Passion/energy
- Protection
- Resilience
- Autumn abundance