Burning bush

Euonymus alatus

Family: CelastraceaeZones: 4a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

poisonous (toxic principle unidentified, possibly a glycoside)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA's 'Burning Bush' page is Euonymus atropurpurea, toxic to dogs, cats and horses (alkaloids and cardenolides; vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weakness, heart rhythm abnormalities with large doses). That is a different species from Euonymus alatus, and ASPCA has no entry for E. alatus itself. NC State rates E. alatus low severity poison to humans (all parts; toxic only if large quantities are eaten). It is the same genus, so treat it as a possible pet hazard; no listing does not mean safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Euonymus alatus, not on the common name.. ASPCA's 'Burning Bush' page is Euonymus atropurpurea (wahoo, spindle tree), toxic to dogs, cats and horses with heart-rhythm effects at large doses. It is a different plant from this winged burning bush, Euonymus alatus. Do not carry either verdict across to the other plant.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Water needs: low
Mature size: NC State: 15 to 20 ft tall and 15 to 20 ft wide (medium growth rate, high maintenance). UNH: up to 20 ft wide and 20 ft high. Iowa State hedge table: 6 to 15 ft natural or sheared.
Where it comes from: NC State: South Siberia to East Asia, Japan and China. Distribution in the US: throughout the eastern and central United States (introduced). UNH and Iowa State agree it is Asian in origin.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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