Euonymus alatus
Flower bud visibleEuonymus alatus
Celastraceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · introduced
Last updated
Winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus, Celastraceae) is a deciduous shrub from northeast Asia, reaching about 6 feet tall and 9 feet wide. Distinctive corky wing-like ridges line the stems. Opposite, elliptic, deep green leaves turn brilliant red in fall. Inconspicuous green to yellow flowers appear in May, followed by reddish-purple fruit with orange-red arils.
Winged euonymus grows in sun to part shade on moist soil with tolerance for clay, hardy in Zones 4a to 8b. Growth is medium. The species is classified as invasive in many eastern North American jurisdictions due to prolific seed production and bird-dispersed fruit. Documented diseases include powdery mildew, crown gall, bacterial blight, and anthracnose. Pest associations include euonymus scale, cottony camellia scale, and root weevil. All parts are poisonous in quantity. Cultivars include 'Compactus' (Burning Bush, 8 to 10 feet) and 'Odom.'
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Active Conidial Spread
Active Infection & Secondary Spread
Adult Emergence & Foliar Feeding
Dormant in Soil
Diseases: Regionally Documented (4)
Pests: Regionally Documented (3)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Euonymus alatus has passed flower bud visible (2144 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | Flower bud visible | — | — |
View full calendar (2 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● Flower bud visible BBCH 51 NOW | 2144 Observed | mid-May |
| Late bloom / petal fall BBCH 67 | — Observed | late May |
Source: Field observation, Lake Wilderness Arboretum (Maple Valley, WA), 2026-05-15. Cultivar: 'Compactus'. GDD₃₂ estimated from Issaquah May 14: 2121.1 + ~23/day trend. About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.
