Winterberry Euonymus, Winterberry Spindle Tree
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows as a large shrub or small tree, 10-30' tall and wide, with an irregular, upright-rounded to spreading habit, somewhat resembling a flowering dogwood in shape. Main trunk often divides near the ground, forming multiple upright leaders. These trees usually live over 100 years.

Native Range

Found in the wild in a few countries in scrub and woods, at elevations up to nearly 9,000 feet. Found in open places in villages at elevations of 1,600-8,000 feet in Nepal. Native in Eastern Asia, from Afghanistan to China.

Flower and Fruit Details

Perfect flowers, pollinated by insects, bloom white to greenish-white, in the late spring (June), borne in clusters. 4-5-celled, lobed, winged fruit capsules, pink to reddish-pink on the outside, split open in the late summer or fall to reveal bright orange and red seeds, which are very ornamental, and are enjoyed by songbirds, but may be toxic to cats and dogs.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Opposite, simple leaves are dark green, with prominent, light green veins beneath. Bright magenta-pink to brilliant red foliage in the fall. Prominent, gray-brown corky wings on the otherwise green stems.

Culture and Care

Zone 6(7). Needs a protected site and winter mulch to avoid cold damage. Does well in sand, loam or clay soils, at both alkaline and acidic pH levels. Needs full sun to part shade. It tolerates about any soil, moist or dry. Susceptible to scale insects.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

3-season interest: Spring, summer and fall. Roots and stems yield gutta-percha, a non-elastic rubber used as an electrical insulator, and for making plastics. The wood is heavy, hard, and close-grained.

Suggested Uses

Good in a woodland garden, or at the shade edge of a woods. Makes a good choice for dry, shady areas.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA