Euonymus alatus

This plant, though a moderately weedy species of shrub, is drought tolerant and provides stunning red fall color.

This shrub has a tendency to spread beyond cultivated garden areas and into native habitats. Its invasive tendency has been noted in multiple eastern and midwestern states. It grows in woodland edges, lands, in forests, in mixed deciduous forests, on roadsides and any accessible areas where it may expand into a dense grove. It is weedy in disturbed areas around houses and buildings. Its growth tendency enables it to out-compete other plants. Its invasiveness has especially been noted in western North Carolina. Winged euonymus has escaped plantings and naturalized in at least 21 eastern and mid-western states. In some areas, it is now considered to be a threat to native plants because of its ability to establish itself in woodlands, forests, fields, roadsides and disturbed areas where, if conditions are favorable, it will out-compete native plants to form dense thickets. Consider less invasive shrubs in the Euonymus genus (closely related shrubs with similar characteristics).

When cultivated, it can withstand severe pruning to a small size and makes an excellent screen, hedge, or shrub border. It can be an upright mound, have horizontal branches, have a flat top, or even have multiple stems. Unpruned, the shrub grows tall, up to 20 feet by as much as 12 feet wide. More compact forms of the shrub ranging from 4 to 10 feet tall are available. See the cultivar list.

This plant needs full sun to partial shade (more shade equals poorer fall color quality). It withstands a range of soil types (except wet, poorly-drained) and needs well-drained soil. This plant appreciates consistent moisture, particularly when grown in full sun locations. In full sun locations, more consistent moisture is needed.

Seasons of Interest: 

     Leaves: Fall; Bloom: Insignificant; Fruit: Fall

The bright red leaves in the fall are its main attraction.

Seed: Capsule

This shrub, like most, is not edible. Its seeds are good for birds but not humans.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Twig blight may occur, particularly in wet soil conditions. Spider mites may appear on stressed plants.

Quick ID Hints:

• Deciduous shrub with green, winged stems
• Opposite leaves; leaf buds reddish,interrupt wing
• Bright red leaf color in fall
• Flat-topped and spreading.

Blooms in spring (inconspicuous); Fall color is a brilliant red (also called 'burning bush' by some people). Winter interest due to naked, winged branches; nice effect massed, as specimen plant or as hedge. 

Tolerant heavy pruning; pH adaptable; intolerant water-logged soil; prefers well-drained soil; no serious pest/disease problems. 

More information on Euonymus.