The specific epithet for this taxon, carnosus, translates to “fleshy”, in this case referring to the thick petals. The common name, fleshy-flowered spindletree, obviously mirrors the scientific name.
The genus Euonymus belongs to the family Celastraceae. Browsing through the listing of other genera in the family, I feel confident in stating it is one of the few members of the Celastraceae to succeed in adapting to temperate climates.
Photography resource link: The plant images of Wikimedia contributor Stan Shebs. Many photographs from UBC Botanical Garden are in the gallery, including this one of today’s plant, Euonymus carnosus. It’s a rather good illustration of the thickened petals!

Can you cut a stem from the Euonymus (Emerald Gold) and stick it in the ground and it will grow or do you need to put the stem in water and let it take root?
Hi Peggy, I’m not a horticulturist, so the place to ask that question is on the forums – see the link right above “Post a Comment”.