Facts About the Spindle Plant

Characteristics

• European spindle tree (Euonymus europaeus) grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. Reaching heights from 8 to 30 feet, these tall shrubs are best known for their fall color, as are many other species in the genus. Some species are commonly known as burning bushes because of their bold autumn color.

Origins and Invasive Status

• The genus Euonymus contains approximately 175 species, most of which are native to Asia. Euonymus europaeus, however, is native to Europe. Several species originating in the United States are invasive, readily seeding into the surrounding lawn and, eventually, into the natural landscape. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service listed 58 species and varieties of Euonymus as invasive as of 2013. Eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), which grows in USDA zones 3 through 7, is a North American native.

Common Names

• Although European euonymus is the species that commonly goes by the name spindle, various euonymus species have many other common names. Euonymus patens is also called spindle tree; Euonymus japonicus is called Japanese spindle tree. Both Euonymus occidentalis and Euonymus alatus are known as burning bush; some varieties of Euonymus alatus go by the common name corky spindletree or winged spindle tree; other species sometimes go by the name wintercreeper. Other species with common names include winterberry, corktree or strawberry bush. Each of these varieties is invasive in the United States. European euonymus is also called pegwood, gatter tree, catwood, ananbeam, prickwood and dogwood in the United Kingdom.

Uses

• European euonymus has several different landscape uses, thanks to its hardiness and adaptability. This plant can become a large shrub or small tree, with mass plantings creating a colorful hedge in autumn. Dwarf varieties of burning bush, including Euonymus alatus compactus (which grows in USDA zones 4 through 9) are common hedge and foundation plantings. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei cvs.), which grows in USDA zones 5 through 9, creates dense, vining mats ideal for a ground cover.