Burning Bush
Euonymus atropurpurea · Celastraceae
How it looks
Burning Bush (Euonymus atropurpurea) is a very distinctive deciduous shrub whose branches bear four rows of cork-like wings. The leaves are oval and serrated, turning vivid red and purple in autumn. Height 3-10 ft (1-3 m); common in gardens and mountain areas.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Burning Bush contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Burning Bush rarely leads to serious trouble, but its alkaloids and cardiac glycosides can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Euonymus atropurpurea
- Common name
- Burning Bush
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
