How to identify Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus)

How to identify Burningbush (Euonymus atropurpureus)

Burningbush, also known as American wahoo

Burningbush exhibits a somewhat sprawling form, growing as a deciduous shrub or a small tree reaching heights of approximately 6 to 20 feet (1.8 to 6 meters). Its leaves are elliptic to ovate and serrated at the edges, turning striking reddish-purple in the fall. Small, purplish flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, leading to the development of distinctive pinkish-red capsules that split open to reveal bright, orange-red seeds. The grayish-brown bark adds a rustic character to the plant's appearance.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Burningbush

Elliptic to ovate, serrated leaves turn reddish-purple in fall, aiding in identification.

Distinctive pinkish-red capsules with orange-red seeds develop post-flowering.

Small clustered flowers have reddish-purple petals and yellow anthers.

Unique 4-lobed seed capsules transition to red arils containing smooth seeds.

Terete or 4-angled stems, smooth to slightly ridged, show opposite branching and swollen nodes.

Detailed Traits of Burningbush

Leaf Features

The leaves of burningbush are opposite, simple, and elliptical, measuring 2 1/2 to 4 inches (6.4 to 10.2 cm) long and 4 inches (10.2 cm) across, with finely serrated edges. Leaf pairs develop along young shoots and smaller branches. The upper surface is dark green and hairless, while the lower surface is pale green and finely pubescent. These distinctive characteristics aid in the identification of burningbush in the field.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of burningbush are small and clustered in forking cymes, with each flower being about 1/3 of an inch (8 mm) across. They feature four spreading, reddish-purple petals, each oval in shape, with smaller greenish-purple sepals. The flowers also have four short stamens with yellow anthers and a pistil with a short stout style. Blooming from late spring to early summer, these blossoms display their distinctive coloration for about a month.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

Burningbush features young shoots or small branches that can be terete (round in cross-section) or distinctly 4-angled. Stems are smooth to slightly ridged, with a greenish color when young, maturing to a grayish-brown. They typically measure up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. Branching is opposite, creating a symmetrical growth pattern. Notably, the nodes where leaves attach can exhibit slight swelling, adding texture to the otherwise smooth stem surface.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of burningbush emerges from unique 4-lobed seed capsules, transitioning in fall to reveal enticing fleshy red arils, each ensconcing two light brown, smooth seeds. Initially, the seed capsules charm with a light pink to pale purple hue and a smooth texture, maturing to a darker shade. Once the seed capsule parts, the vivid red arils offer a stark contrast, drawing attention to their striking presence against the capsule's darker tones.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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