What is the common name for Euonymus?
spindle tree
Table of Contents
Euonymus /juːˈɒnɪməs/ is a genus of flowering plants in the staff vine family, Celastraceae. Common names vary widely among different species and between different English-speaking countries, but include spindle (or spindle tree), burning-bush, strawberry-bush, wahoo, wintercreeper, or simply euonymus.

Where is Euonymus native to?
eastern North America
Euonymus, a large genus with 175 species of trees and shrubs scattered from the Himalayas to China and Japan, is one of the 55 genera in the bittersweet family. Six Euonymus species are commonly found in eastern North America. Native species include Burning Bush or Eastern Wahoo, (E.
What family is euonymus in?
Staff-vine familySpindle tree / Family
Euonymus, genus of about 130 species of shrubs, woody climbers, and small trees, in the staff tree family (Celastraceae), native to temperate Asia, North America, and Europe.
When should Euonymus be pruned?

This broadleaf evergreen needs little pruning, but when it is done, should only be done in early spring before any new growth begins. Prune branch tips back to increase density and direct the plants growth. Touch up can be done in summer, if needed, until mid July.
How big does a Euonymus get?
It grows 10 to 15 feet high and about half that in width. The leaves are opposite, evergreen, leathery and 1 to 3 inches long. The flowers are greenish white and inconspicuous. The species is very tolerant of heat but prone to cold damage.
Is Euonymus an invasive species?
Euonymus alatus eventually escaped cultivation and was acknowledged to be invasive in the 20th century, mostly in the Northeastern U.S. It now occurs in at least 25 states, as far west as Montana, and as far north as Ontario, Canada. The plant is expected to continue to invade additional states and provinces.
Are Euonymus poisonous to dogs?
Is Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’ poisonous? Euonymus ‘Emerald Gaiety’ can be toxic.
Are Euonymus slow growing?
alatus, which grows slowly (less then 12 inches per year), and wintercreeper euonymus, which grows very fast (25 inches per year or more). Young spreading euonymus habit.
How quickly do Euonymus grow?
With an average annual growth rate of 10-20cm, ideal for hedge heights of up to a metre, the variety of Euonymus hedging plants we supply are the perfect low maintenance, low growing shrubs. They simply require a quick prune in late spring in order for bushy growth to develop.
Can you keep euonymus small?
Pruning Euonymus Hedges
These shrubs should only be sheared if used in formal hedges. If the hedge is overgrown, start by cutting the tallest branches with a hand clipper, reducing them to much smaller than the ultimate size you want.
Do euonymus have deep roots?
Euonymus shrubs have shallow root systems, and if the ground is frozen and particularly dry, the roots cannot pick up enough moisture to replace what is lost through the leaves.
How do I get rid of Euonymus?
Cut and apply herbicide.
If you need to remove a large euonymus vine to remove from a tree, this is a better strategy. Cut the stem close to the ground and apply an herbicide immediately. If you only cut, it will regrow. Applying herbicide to a cut stem is also an imperfect solution.
Is Euonymus a ground cover?
Wintercreeper euonymus is a versatile plant that can serve as ground cover for both sunny and shady areas, as an edging plant along paths, as a slope cover, as a foundation planting, or trained to climb like an ivy to cover walls, chimneys, or fences.
How quickly does Euonymus grow?
Is Euonymus poisonous to humans?
Both the leaves and fruit are toxic to humans – the berries having a laxative effect.
Can I hard prune euonymus?
Some species of evergreen euonymus accept more severe pruning than others. For example, you can get away with hard pruning euonymus japonicus. This dense evergreen shrub makes a good hedge.
Does euonymus lose its leaves in winter?
Some deciduous euonymus plants will experience a natural shedding of some foliage, especially older leaves toward the center of the plant. These varieties will begin to shed leaves in the fall or the winter and go dormant for a few months.
Can you cut back euonymus hard?
Cut each tall branch or stem to a different height so that the hedge looks more natural and there are openings in the hedge for light and air to enter. Some species of evergreen euonymus accept more severe pruning than others. For example, you can get away with hard pruning euonymus japonicus.
How deep are euonymus roots?
Quick Reference Growing Guide
Plant Type: | Deciduous or evergreen woody shrub/tree or vine | Flower / Foliage Color: |
---|---|---|
Planting Depth: | 1/4 inch (seeds) depth of root system (transplants) | Attracts: |
Height: | 10-25 feet, depending on species | Uses: |
Spread: | 7- 20 feet, depending on species | Order: |
Water Needs: | Moderate | Family: |
Are euonymus poisonous to dogs?
Are Euonymus toxic to dogs?
Euonymus, also known as Burning Bush, is poisonous to dogs. The plant contains alkaloids that can cause an upset stomach if a dog eats any part of the plant. The plant is only considered toxic in large quantities, but it is best practice to keep pets, especially small puppies, away from Euonymus.
Are all Euonymus invasive?
Euonymus fortunei has been reported to be invasive in natural areas in most of the states in the eastern half of the U.S. It can tolerate a broad range of environmental conditions ranging from full sun to deep shade, and acidic to basic and low nutrient soils, but it does not grow well in heavy wet soils.
How far can you cut back Euonymus?
Rejuvenate an overgrown Euonymus plant by cutting back at least one-third of the growth. Some varieties of Euonymus make an excellent groundcover if they are allowed to spread out, but with a trim, these plants can maintain a neat, rounded, shrub-like look.
How tall does euonymus get?