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Winged Spindle Tree

Euonymus alatus
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Euonymus alatus (Winged Spindle Tree) — botanical photograph
Pl. 34A7 — Euonymus alatus
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Overview

Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub native to regions in East Asia, including Amur, Buryatiya, and various parts of China. This plant is known for its ornamental value, particularly due to the distinctive wing-like protrusions on its stems, which add a unique visual appeal to gardens and landscapes. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, the Winged Spindle Tree can tolerate both dry and moist soils, making it adaptable to a range of growing conditions. It grows up to 2 meters in height and is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. The Winged Spindle Tree is valued for its edible fruit and leaves, which can be used to make tea. Its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), and its tolerance to a wide range of soil pH (4 to 7) make it a versatile choice for gardeners. However, it should be noted that the plant has the potential to become invasive in some areas, so it is important to manage its spread carefully. This shrub is often used as a hedgerow due to its moderate growth rate and shrub-like growth habit. Its distinctive foliage and branching structure make it a popular choice for ornamental purposes. While it is not medicinal, the Winged Spindle Tree offers practical benefits for those interested in incorporating native plants into their gardens or landscapes.

Quick answers

What is Winged Spindle Tree?

Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus) is a deciduous shrub native to regions in East Asia, including Amur, Buryatiya, and various parts of China.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Winged Spindle Tree thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. The plant requires dry to moist conditions and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH from 4 to 7. For propagation, gardeners may use cuttings or seeds. Harvest the fruit and leaves for edible uses.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
2.0 m tall
Soil pH
4–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Winged Spindle Tree for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple Winged Spindle Tree to get familiar with shrub care.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A young Winged Spindle Tree, garden gloves, and a trowel.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or early fall when the weather is cooler.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure soil drains well. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young trees from a nursery pot to your garden bed gently.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water the tree regularly but avoid overwatering. Keep it in partial shade if possible.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade, and water when the soil feels dry.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead branches.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soils, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning, and using the wrong soil type.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Hedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
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Distribution

15 native · 33 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 15 native· 33 introduced
Asia5 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (2)GeorgiaUzbekistan
Broader regions
native:Amur, Buryatiya, Chita, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Primorye, Sakhalin
introduced:Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Euonymus alatus (Winged Spindle Tree) — botanical photograph
Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus)
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Explore further

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About this entry

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