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Description
Euonymus Occidentalis, commonly known as Western Burning Bush, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the staff-tree family. This shrub is native to the western region of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. The shrub’s branches are slender, with ovate to oblong leaves that are green in color during the growing season and turn reddish-purple in the fall. The Euonymus Occidentalis can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, and screens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Euonymus |
Appearance
The Euonymus Occidentalis has a dense and rounded growth habit, with a multi-stemmed trunk. The leaves are opposite, simple, and ovate to oblong in shape, measuring 2 to 4 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are bright green during the growing season and turn reddish-purple in the fall. The shrub produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring, followed by small, pinkish-red fruits that split open to reveal bright orange seeds.
Care Guide
The Euonymus Occidentalis is a hardy shrub that requires minimal care. Here are some guidelines for keeping your shrub healthy:- Water: The shrub needs moderate watering during the growing season, and it should be kept moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, water the shrub deeply once a week.- Fertilization: Fertilize the shrub in the early spring before new growth appears, using a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and reduced hardiness.- Soil: The shrub prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or clayey, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade, and it can tolerate some shade. However, too much shade can reduce flowering and fall color.- Hardiness Zones: The shrub is hardy to USDA zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Euonymus Occidentalis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:- Scale insects: These insects can infest the shrub and cause wilting and yellowing of leaves. Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on leaves, which can lead to leaf drop. Use a fungicide to treat the disease.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on leaves, which can lead to defoliation. Remove infected leaves and use a fungicide to treat the disease.
Habitat
The Euonymus Occidentalis is native to the western region of North America, including California, Oregon, and Washington. This shrub can be found in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forest. The shrub prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Euonymus Occidentalis deer-resistant?
A: Yes, the shrub is deer-resistant.
Q: Can the Euonymus Occidentalis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the shrub can be grown in containers, but it will require frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Can the Euonymus Occidentalis be pruned?
A: Yes, the shrub can be pruned in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and size.
Q: Is the Euonymus Occidentalis toxic?
A: Yes, the shrub is toxic if ingested. Keep it away from children and pets.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Euonymus Occidentalis:- Euonymus Alatus (Burning Bush)- Euonymus Fortunei (Wintercreeper)- Euonymus Japonicus (Japanese Euonymus)- Euonymus Europaeus (European Spindle)
References
– “Euonymus Occidentalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f470- “Western Burning Bush.” Oregon State University. https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/euonymus-occidentalis
