Hearts-a-bustin' Euonymus

Euonymus, or Spindletree, is a genus of deciduous or evergreen flowering shrubs containing about 140 species and several cultivars. Native to East Asia, species are widely distributed in Canada and the continental United States. In nature, it is often found in mixed deciduous forests or natural areas in low woodlands. The name comes from the Greek eu-, for good, and onyma, for name, apparently applied ironically because the genus, at one time, had the bad reputation of poisoning cattle.

The shrub can be grown in a wide variety of soils, including clay, and tolerates both drought and wet soils to a degree. Fruits and seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. Plant in a woodland naturalized area for best results. 

The plant has opposite and simple leaves. On some species, the leaves provide dramatic red color in the fall and early winter and the plant is often grown as an ornamental. The flowers are small, 4-parted, and often greenish maroon in color. The flowers are followed in the fall by a reddish, pink, ivory to yellow capsule which splits to reveal orange-red seeds. The genus can spread by adventitious roots and can get out of control.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Euonymus scale is a problem with most species of this plant.  It can be weedy in disturbed areas around houses and buildings. Note that some species of Euonymus (E. alatus in particular) are prohibited in some of the United States because of their invasive tendencies.   The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.