Euonymus alatus

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.'