Winged Spindle Tree
Euonymus alatus apterus
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Pl. 9E50 — Euonymus alatus apterus
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IOverview
Overview
Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus apterus) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia, including regions such as Amur, Buryatiya, and various parts of China. Known for its ornamental value due to the distinctive wing-like protrusions on its stems, this plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH ranging from 4 to 7. The fruit and leaves are edible, making it useful for those seeking sustainable food sources. Hardy from zones 3-7, Winged Spindle Tree can grow up to 2 meters in height, adding vibrant interest to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Winged Spindle Tree?
Winged Spindle Tree (Euonymus alatus apterus) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern Asia, including regions such as Amur, Buryatiya, and various parts of China.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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 temperate regions from zones 3-7 and can grow up to 2 meters tall as a shrub. The plant requires dry to moist conditions and has an adaptable pH range of 4–7. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. Edible parts include the fruit and leaves, making this plant both ornamental and useful for its edibility.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
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, low-maintenance shrub that thrives in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Winged Spindle Tree saplings or seeds, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a potting mix suitable for shrubs.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the garden or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, especially in summer. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to control size and shape; remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Hedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 15 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 15 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native· 15 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanSouth Korea
introduced (1)Georgia
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, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 9e504996-c5ff-40f1-a3ad-46b488e6a687
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