Euonymus alatus

Winged spindle is a deciduous shrub native to central and northern China, Japan, and Korea. It is characterized by short cork wings which appear on the branches of even young shrubs. They are so conspicuous that they resemble the branches of sweet gum or cork oak. They are also highly valued in Chinese and Korean medicine as they contain high amount of chemicals which are used to fight cancer, hyperglycemia, and diabetes.

Its deciduous leaves are small, ovate to broadly elliptic, bright green in spring and turn a vibrant shade of crimson red with the arrival of the first cooler days of autumn – sometimes as early as late August. They are arranged along the twigs like ash tree compound foliage. Inconspicuous flowers appear in late spring and, if pollinated, the plant is covered with fiery orange tiny fruits in autumn. They are not edible or poisonous.

Winged spindle is a reliable and undemanding shrub that, due to its durability, is often found in low-maintenance public greenery. Its size and natural shape without pruning will stand out especially in parks and arboretums where it has enough space. It is very popular among bonsai-makers but in the garden we recommend no pruning at all. Because left to its own devices, with age it will grow into a broadly funnel-shaped form of an impressive overflowing fountain. It grows about 30 cm per year.

It is not picky about soil type or pH, it can even cope with compacted ground that can either get completely dry or temporarily waterlogged. For the best autumn colour place it in full sun or partial shade as it will lose its nice shape in deep shade where it will not turn red in autumn. Pruning is possible from late winter to early spring before leaves emerge. Hardiness is commonly guaranteed to -34 °C, however, tests in Canada proved it hardy down to -40 °C.

Last update: 20-03-2007; 07-12-2023