How to identify Western burning bush (Euonymus occidentalis)

Photo By dloarie , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Western burning bush (Euonymus occidentalis)

Western burning bush, also known as Western strawberry-bush

Western burning bush presents as a mounding shrub or small tree with a deciduous nature. It typically features oval to lance-shaped leaves that are notable for their finely serrated margins. During blooming season, western burning bush produces inconspicuous flowers. These plants can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6 meters), but are commonly shorter in stature. The stems of western burning bush can be identified by their distinctive green to brownish bark, which may become more texturized as the plant matures.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Western burning bush

Oval to lance-shaped leaves with finely serrated margins.

Purple-brown flowers with white mottling and central nectar disc.

Distinctive three-lobed capsule fruit with vibrant red aril.

Slender, climbing stem with 4-angled young branches.

Smooth bark transitioning from greenish to woody with age.

Detailed Traits of Western burning bush

Leaf Features

The leaves of western burning bush are thin, oval-shaped, and typically green. They measure up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in length and often have edges that are slightly rolled under. The leaf shape ranges from ovate to obovate, with a distinctly tapered base. The surface is smooth, and the vein pattern is subtle but noticeable. These characteristics make the leaves of western burning bush distinguishable for plant enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Western burning bush features purple-brown flowers finely dotted with a transparent margin. Typically, five small flowers cluster at the end of a long peduncle, each boasting five rounded petals that are pink to brown with white mottling. The center reveals a central nectar disc adorned with five nubs. These flowers range approximately 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter and bloom from March to August, exuding a delicate and intricate design perfect for plant enthusiasts.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of western burning bush is notably slender and erect, often adopting a climbing habit. Young branches exhibit a distinctive 4-angled shape, lacking corky wings. The texture is smooth, with a greenish hue when young, transitioning to a woody consistency as they mature. The diameter of young stems is typically around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) thick. This unique angular form is a key identification feature, making western burning bush's stem uniquely notable among related species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of western burning bush is a distinctive, three-lobed capsule, typically smooth in texture and striking in appearance with hues of pink or purple. Each of the rounded lobes swells outward, forming a bulbous shape. Upon maturity, the capsule opens to unveil a single brown seed nestled within each lobe, each seed encased in a vibrant red aril. The contrast between the red aril and the brown seeds is particularly eye-catching. The unique fruit structure and coloration provide key identification features for amateurs and experts alike.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.