Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii
Parish's burning bush
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Family: Celastraceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii (Parish's burning bush) is a native California shrub / tree in the Celastraceae family, recognized by distinguished primarily by geographic isolation in southern California mountains.
Parish's burning bush is a California native shrub found in the Peninsular Ranges in shaded canyons at elevations of 1,300 to 2,000 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small, delicate flowers with subtle greenish or purplish hues. Growing to a moderate height with multiple stems, it forms a compact, intricate shrub with branching structure. Its leaves are typically opposite, with elliptical to ovate blades that have finely toothed margins and a deep green coloration. Its distinctive burning bush characteristics include slender branches and the potential for seasonal color changes that give the species its evocative common name.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished primarily by geographic isolation in southern California mountains
Habitat and range
Habitat: Shaded canyons
Elevation: 1300-2000 m
California counties: Riverside, San Diego
Bloom period
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Buxus: Euonymus has showy dark red-brown flowers, while Buxus has tiny inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers.; vs Ligustrum: Euonymus flowers are dark reddish-brown in small clusters from leaf joints; Ligustrum has white flowers in showy terminal pyramids.; vs Coprosma: Euonymus has opposite leaves and colorful flowers; Coprosma has tiny flowers and produces bright berries.; vs Cornus: Euonymus has 5-petaled dark brown flowers; Cornus has 4-petaled white or yellow flowers (or showy white bracts).; vs Arbutus: Euonymus has opposite leaves; Arbutus has alternate leaves and distinctive peeling reddish bark.
Frequently asked questions
Is Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii native to California?
Yes. Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii bloom?
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii grow?
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii occurs in Riverside, San Diego, at elevations of 1300-2000 m.
What plant family does Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii belong to?
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii is in the Celastraceae family, genus Euonymus.
What habitat does Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii grow in?
Euonymus occidentalis var. parishii grows in Shaded canyons.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.