Burning Bush, also known as Winged Euonymus or Euonymus alatus, is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia. In the United States, it is commonly found in the Eastern and Central regions. It particularly thrives in a variety of habitats, including forest edges, open woodlands, and along roadsides and watercourses. Burning Bush is considered an invasive species in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States, including states such as Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio. It also grows in some parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic States.

Distribution in Specific States

• Iowa: The plant's growth is widespread across the state.
• Indiana: It's primarily found in the Northern and central parts of the state.
• Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware: Burning Bush plants are fairly common here, especially in forest edges and open woodlands.
• New York and Pennsylvania: The plant is widely distributed across these states, especially in urban and suburban areas.

If you have a Burning Bush pollen allergy, certain types of food can exacerbate your symptoms. This condition is known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, wherein certain fruits, vegetables, and nuts have proteins that are similar to those in specific pollens, and hence trigger an allergic reaction.

Foods to Avoid

• Raw apples: Apples contain a protein that is similar to that found in Burning Bush pollen. Cooked apples do not usually cause a reaction.
• Almonds: Like apples, almonds also contain a similar protein and can trigger an allergic reaction.
• Carrots and celery: These vegetables contain proteins that can worsen the symptoms of Burning Bush pollen allergy.
• Peaches, cherries, and plums: These fruits are also known to have proteins similar to Burning Bush pollen.

In some people, pre-existing Burning Bush pollen allergy may worsen when these foods are consumed. If your symptoms worsen after eating certain foods, it is advisable to seek medical advice. You may have to avoid these foods during the Burning Bush pollen season or all year round, depending on the severity of your symptoms.