Identifying characteristics: The winged spindle
tree is a dense, flat-topped shrub or small tree usually broader than high,
with stiff, horizontally spreading branches. The medium- to deep-green leaves are simple, opposite or sub-opposite,
finely toothed and 1 to 3 inches long. The leaves turn first pink and then
brilliant scarlet or crimson in the fall. Color variations can be encouraged
by planting some specimens in a less sunny position where fall coloring
will be a dark purplish-red. The flowers,
produced in clusters of 3, are small, yellow-green and insignificant.
The flowers are bisexual and appear in May. The fruits
are purplish capsules which open to reveal an orange cap enclosing the seeds.
The color effect, however, is often lost against the bright fall foliage.
The buds are conical and covered with 6 to 8 pairs of bud scales.
The bark of young twigs is broken
into four thin, blade-like, corky ridges. These prominent wings are interrupted
by the position of the buds on the twig and on older twigs the wings have
usually broken off.
Ecology:
Distribution: Native to northeast Asia, this species was introduced
into the US in 1860. The wahoo (E. atropurpureus) is now naturalized
throughout Iowa, growing in moist, open woods and often forming thickets
in low-lying areas near woods. It is a tree-like shrub 6 to 10 feet tall
and bears pink to fuschia fruits which are larger and more showy than those
of the winged spindle tree. The colorful seeds are reportedly poisonous.
Habitat: It is hardy from zones 4 to 8, and adapts well to a variety of soils except those which are constantly wet. The root system is surface and fibrous and, although preferring well-drained soils, this plant will show stress in droughty conditions. Mulching is recommended in hot, dry weather.
Diseases: No serious diseases or pests are a problem-in fact, this species is immune to scale insects which attack and damage other euonymous.
Uses:
Wood: The seeds, twigs and leaves of many euonymous species are
known to contain certain toxins that may be lethal to livestock. In this
sense, the name "euonymous," which means "good plant,"
is a misnomer.
Wildlife: Short-tongued bees and flies are attracted to the nectar.
Horticulture: The winged, irregular branches create an interesting winter silhouette, which is especially attractive clothed in fresh snow. The strong horizontal habit makes this species an excellent foundation plant for screening and massing and, because it can withstand severe pruning, it is often used as a hedge plant. Although the brilliant fall coloring has meant that the winged spindle tree is often overused in landscaping, it does create excellent color, especially when reflected in water. Cultivars include "Compactus," shorter and slower-growing; "Gracilis," with branches that arch up and then curve down; and "Nordine Strain," more compact and hardy than "Compactus." Attractive cultivars of the wahoo (E. atropurpureus) are also available.
