Liana Indiana Native Celastrus scandens [American Bittersweet] Sun to partial shade (best flowers in full sun), and tolerant of soil conditions (except wet). Tends to be invasive. Birds are fond of fruits. Tends toward dioeciousness. Female plants need a male pollinator to produce more abundant fruits. Can girdle trees it grows on. Euonymus scale and two-marked treehoppers can cause damage.
Shrub Euonymus alatus [Winged Euonymus] Widely tolerant of most soil and microclimatic conditions, but develops good fall foliage color only when exposed to considerable direct sun. Tolerates heavy pruning. Can be troubled by scale insects, although not so frequently as the evergreen euonymus. Fruits are toxic. Avoid very dry or wet sites. Can be invasive, seeding into woodlots.
Shrub Euonymus alatus 'Compactus' [Dwarf Winged Euonymus] The dense and lower-growing 'Compactus' is one of the most common Winged Euonymus cultivars. Widely tolerant of most soil and microclimatic conditions, but develops good fall foliage color only when exposed to considerable direct sun. Tolerates heavy pruning. Can be troubled by scale insects, although not so frequently as the evergreen euonymus. Fruits are toxic. Avoid very dry or wet sites. Can be invasive, seeding into woodlots.
Shrub Indiana Native Euonymus americanus [American Euonymus] The American Euonymus is a small, suckering shrub that is native to the eastern portions for the United States, west to Texas. Normally, the American Euonymus can be found in woodlands and can tolerate deep shade and a wide range of soil types. Its flowers are unsual for Euonymus because of its five-petaled flowers instead of the usual four for most other euonymus species. Other common names, such as Strawberry-bush or Hearts-a-Burstin, are derived from…
Shrub/Tree Indiana Native Euonymus atropurpureus [Eastern Wahoo] The Easter Wahoo is an Indiana native shrub/small tree that can be found in open woods or along forest edges and is grown for its attractive red fruits and great fall color. Due to its irregular habit, the Eastern Wahoo can be an issue in the formal landscape, but regular pruning can fix this issue. Far less invasive than the infamous Euonymus alatus (Winged Euonymus or Burning Bush). Flowers are small, rich purple that bloom…
Shrub/Tree Euonymus europaeus [Common Spindle Tree] Euonymus europaeus is an adaptable small tree (sometimes large shrub) that can spread and become invasive. The Common Spindle Tree's primary ornamental interest is its attractive and interesting fruits in the fall. Unfortunately, this tree can otherwise be quite unattractive, irregular, and spindley.
Liana Euonymus fortunei [Wintercreeper Euonymus] Best in soil that is reasonably moist, either in full sun or shade, but not heavy wet soils. Can be used as a wall climber (possibly climbing up to 70') or groundcover. Subject to Euonymus Scale that can kill some plants, especially 'Vegetus' and 'Coloratus'. Can be controlled by proper spraying.
Liana Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus' [Coloratus Wintercreeper Euonymus] Can tolerate full sun to full shade. Best in soil that is reasonably moist, but not heavy or wet. Can be used as a wall climber, but is best as a groundcover. This vigorous form turns purplish-plum during the winter months. Can be subject to Euonymus Scale.
Shrub Euonymus fortunei 'Vegetus' [Vegetus Wintercreeper Euonymus] This cultivar has a more shrub-like habit than the species type, but can be moderately effective as a groundcover or wall climber. Also much heavier fruiting than the straight species; the fruiting display can be quite attractive, if fruits are borne in high enough numbers. Very susceptible to Euonymus Scale.
Shrub Euonymus kiautschovicus [Spreading Euonymus] Foliage fully evergreen in the South, but persists for only about half the winter in the North. Although not as serious as in other species of Euonymus, scale insects can be a problem. May be killed to ground in severe winters, but grows back rapidly.