Euonymus alatus, commonly known as the winged spindle, winged euonymus, or burning bush, is a deciduous shrub native to forests, woodlands, and scrublands in central and northern China, Japan, and Korea. It thrives from sea level to 8,900 ft (2,700 m) elevation, often on well-drained soils in sunny to partially shaded locations. The shrub typically grows to 6.1 m (20 ft) tall and can be wider than tall, with a distinctive appearance due to its four corky ridges or "wings" on the stems. The leaves are ovate-elliptic, 2–7 cm long, and 1–4 cm broad, turning a bright red in the fall, which is the origin of its common name "burning bush." The inconspicuous greenish flowers bloom over a long period in the spring, followed by a striking red aril enclosed by a four-lobed pink, yellow, or orange capsule.

The winged spindle is valued for its vibrant fall foliage and ornamental fruit, making it a popular choice for foundation planting, hedges, and landscaping along highways and commercial areas. It requires medium water, well-drained soil, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. The cultivar ’Compactus’ has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. However, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, causing severe discomfort. Additionally, Euonymus alatus is known to be invasive in woodlands of eastern North America, where its sale and importation are restricted in several states. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential to spread aggressively and should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0