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Description
Euonymus Atropurpureus, commonly known as burning bush, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Celastraceae family. This plant is native to eastern North America and can grow up to 6 meters tall. Euonymus Atropurpureus is a popular ornamental plant due to its striking fall foliage and bright red berries that appear in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
Appearance
Euonymus Atropurpureus has a dense and rounded growth habit with a spread of up to 4 meters. Its leaves are oval-shaped, serrated, and can grow up to 12 cm long. They are green during the growing season and turn a bright red in the fall. The plant produces small greenish-yellow flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by red berries in late summer that persist into the winter.
Care Guide
Euonymus Atropurpureus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow. Here are some care tips:
Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and flowering.
Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay and sand.
Sunlight: Euonymus Atropurpureus can grow in full sun to partial shade. However, it produces better fall color in full sun.
Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Euonymus Atropurpureus is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and leaf spot.
Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and dropping of leaves. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control them.
Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control them.
Leaf spot: This disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
Habitat
Euonymus Atropurpureus is native to the eastern United States, where it can be found in woodlands, thickets, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Euonymus Atropurpureus poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant, especially the berries, are poisonous if ingested.
Q: How often should I prune my Euonymus Atropurpureus?
A: Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood. You can also shape it at this time if needed.
Q: Can I grow Euonymus Atropurpureus in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow the plant in a container. Use a well-draining potting mix and water it regularly.
Q: Can I propagate Euonymus Atropurpureus from cuttings?
A: Yes, you can propagate the plant from softwood cuttings taken in early summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Euonymus Atropurpureus:
- Euonymus alatus (winged euonymus)
- Euonymus fortunei (wintercreeper)
- Euonymus japonicus (Japanese spindle tree)
- Euonymus kiautschovicus (Manchurian spindle tree)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (2009). Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Euonymus Atropurpureus. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h240
- North Carolina State University. (n.d.). Euonymus Atropurpureus. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euonymus-atropurpureus/
