Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'
Dwarf Winged Euonymus
Other Common Names: Dwarf Burning Bush

This plant is considered invasive.

Family:

Celastraceae (Bittersweet Family) 13

Genus:

Euonymus (Spindle Tree Euonymus Burning Bush Bush, Burning Spindletree Tree, Spindle) 12

Plant Type:

Shrub 462

Growth Forms:

Bushy 162

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 4 489

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 794

Flower Notes:

Green (Yellow-green; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Summer foliage is green with a slight bronze cast); Red (Brilliant red coloration in fall with direct sunlight)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Small red berries form in late summer, early fall)

Ultimate Height:

8-10 feet

Ultimate Spread:

8-10 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Widely tolerant of most soil conditions

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are opposite, 1-3" long, elliptic to ovate, finely and sharpley serrate. Green and brown twigs with corky ridges or "wings" (alata=winged), although the twigs of 'Compactus' are less winged than straight species.

Special Characteristics:

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 186

Additional Information

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.