How much sun does Western burningbush need?

Western burningbush grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Western burningbush bloom?

Western burningbush blooms in May and June.

Where is Western burningbush native?

Western burningbush (Euonymus occidentalis) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Western burningbush attract?

Western burningbush draws flies and bees.

Western burningbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Euonymus occidentalis

Last reviewed: October 2026

Western burningbush (Euonymus occidentalis) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw flies and bees.

Toxicity unknown

Western burningbush (Euonymus occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

60"–180" H × 48"–96" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

flies, bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains

A loose, open deciduous shrub with oval leaves and small, unusual maroon star-shaped flowers followed by pink capsules that split open to reveal orange seeds. Grows as an understory plant in moist shaded woodland.

Growing Western burningbush

Grow Western burningbush in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 180 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The showy fall seed capsules are eaten by songbirds, and the small flowers draw flies and bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Western burningbush need?: Western burningbush grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Western burningbush bloom?: Western burningbush blooms in May and June.
Where is Western burningbush native?: Western burningbush (Euonymus occidentalis) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Western burningbush attract?: Western burningbush draws flies and bees.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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