Shrub Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus' [Variegated Aralia] This cultivar has attractive, creamy variegated foliage and is more compact than the straight species. Tolerates a wide range of soil and environmental conditions, including dry city conditions and shade. Prickles on stems can make pruning difficult. In poor sites, renewal pruning can improve form. In rich organic soils, renewal pruning can lead to rank growth. Usually dioecious.
Shrub InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive 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 InvasiveThis plant is considered invasive 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/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.
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.
Shrub/Tree Euonymus planipes [Siberian Spindletree] The Siberian Spindletree is a large shrub (or sometimes small tree) that has showy 4-lobed, crimson fruits appearng in late summer followed by handsome red fall color. Plant can be affected by scale.
Shrub Exochorda racemosa [Common Pearlbush] The Common Pearlbush is lovely in the spring time with its abundance of beautiful, white flowers, but is unfortunately a rather non-descript shrub during the rest of the year. It is a tough plant, able to withstand both heat and drought. The common name refers to the round, pearl-like white flower buds.
Shrub/Tree Frangula alnus [Glossy Buckthorn] Rhamnus frangula is very weedy (invasive in some areas) and adaptable, and generally has an unattractive, leggy habit. Birds love the fruits and spread the seeds. This species is not recommended for use in the landscape.
Shrub Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams' [sold as Fine Line®] [Fine Line Glossy Buckthorn] Though the name buckthorn is forever a synonym of invasiveness, this cultivar gives the species a round of redemption. Fine Line is a hybrid of the cultivars of R. frangula 'Aspleniifolia' and 'Columnaris', giving its distinct upright habit and the glossy dark green leaves. Though Fine Line will flower and fruit, the seed viability extremely low, removing the invasive threat.
