Japanese spindle tree (Euonymus japonicus) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Japanese spindle tree is an evergreen shrub with glossy leaves, often planted as a hedge or screen in U.S. gardens. It is native to Korea and Japan. In fall, its fruits split open to reveal seeds wrapped in an orange-red coating.

Appearance

Growth form: An upright evergreen shrub usually 10–15 ft (3–4.5 m) tall and 5–8 ft (1.5–2.5 m) wide. Left unpruned it can reach about 26 ft (8 m).
Leaves: Thick, shiny, oval leaves in opposite pairs, with finely toothed edges.
Flowers: Tiny greenish flowers about 1/4 in (5–6 mm) across, with an odd vinegary smell.
Flowering time: Blooms in late spring to early summer.
Fruit: Round fruits split open in fall to reveal seeds wrapped in an orange-red coating ().

Look-alikes

wintercreeperEuonymus fortunei

Wintercreeper often creeps along the ground or climbs by roots on its stems. Japanese spindle tree usually forms an upright shrub. Mature wintercreeper can also become shrubby, so this clue alone is not always enough.

Why they get mixed upBoth keep glossy leaves through winter.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: hedges
home landscapes
borders
Range: Native to Korea and Japan south to the Ryukyu Islands. In the US it is planted as a landscape shrub, including in North Carolina, where it can spread around disturbed sites near homes.
Preferred conditions: Handles sun or shade, many soil types, and some drought.

Cautions

Cautions: All parts of the plant are toxic. Eating large amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Name and classification

About the name: The variety names radicans and acutus have also been treated as names for wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei). Also called Japanese euonymus.
Varieties and forms: US gardens grow with gold- or white-edged leaves, including yellow-edged 'Aureomarginatus', along with narrow upright 'Green Spire' and dwarf 'Microphyllus' for edging.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
Threats: Euonymus scale, powdery mildew, and deer browsing are common problems in US gardens.

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