European Euonymus
Euonymus europaeus (yoo-ON-ih-mus yoo-ROH-pay-us)
European Spindle Tree is a tall, upright, sometimes spindly, deciduous shrub or small tree that has the typical Euonymus characteristics; a tough, long-lasting plant that grows rounder and wider as it matures. In the wild, European Spindle Tree is usually found in the woods, scrub, and hedges of Europe, usually on calcareous soils. It also has the poisonous characteristic typical of all Euonymus shrubs when parts are eaten in large quantities. No parts of the shrub should be eaten, including the berries or flowers. This shrub has weedy to invasive tendencies and should be avoided. Please see alternative shrubs to the left. These shrubs are not known for showy flowers, which are small, half inch in size, and yellowish green in mid-spring. In the fall, the leaf color can be dull tan to yellow-green to a a burgundy. Its' most showy feature is the brightly colored fall berries that begin shrouded in pink to red capsules and open to bright orange fleshy seed coverings (arils), which are eaten by some birds. The European Spindle Tree is particularly suited to dry shaded areas and prefers a well-drained, alkaline, loamy soil. It tolerates most soil types and should be planted in well drained but moist soil in full sun to part shade. It tolerates close to full shade, but at the expense of diminished fall color. It appreciates consistent and even moisture, particularly when grown in full sun locations. Note that these plants often struggle in the southeastern United States, south of USDA Zone 7. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Scale can be a significant problem and should be treated if it appears. Possible disease problems include twig blight, anthracnose, crown gall, leaf spot and mildew. Birds spread the seeds, leading to the shrub's tendency to invasiveness, which can be controlled through pruning. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases. More information on Euonymus .
Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 72 attributes.
How it fits the guild