The genus Euonymus, commonly referred to as Spindle, comprises approximately 140 species of shrubs, small trees, and vines. The answer to whether all Euonymus are evergreen is no, as the genus includes both broadleaf evergreen species that retain their leaves year-round and deciduous species that shed their foliage annually. This diversity means that while some varieties provide consistent green structure throughout the winter, others are cultivated specifically for their spectacular, but temporary, autumn color. Understanding this distinction is necessary for selecting the right plant for a specific landscape function.
The Evergreen Varieties
The most popular evergreen types of Euonymus are valued for their consistent foliage and hardiness, making them staples for year-round structure in temperate gardens. Euonymus japonicus, known as the Japanese Spindle, is a dense, oval, broadleaf evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 10 to 15 feet. Its leaves are tough, leathery, and lustrous, presenting a waxy, dark green surface. This species is highly resistant to coastal conditions and urban pollution. Many cultivars are grown for their striking variegation, featuring creamy-white or yellow margins, such as ‘Aureo-marginatus’ or ‘Silver King’.
The species Euonymus fortunei, or Wintercreeper Euonymus, is another widely cultivated evergreen, distinguished by its adaptable growth habit. This plant can function as a dense, low-growing groundcover, a mounding shrub, or a woody vine that climbs using small aerial rootlets. The foliage of Wintercreeper is often semi-evergreen in colder climates, where the leaves may take on a purplish or bronze hue during the winter months. Its leaves are smaller than the Japanese Spindle’s and are frequently variegated with patterns like the yellow-bordered ‘Emerald ‘n’ Gold’.
The Deciduous Varieties
In stark contrast to their evergreen relatives, the deciduous members of the Euonymus genus are celebrated for the vibrant seasonal change that occurs before their leaves drop. Euonymus alatus, known as Burning Bush, is the prime example, famous for its intense, fiery red autumn color. This species is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall, with its color display often lasting several weeks before the leaves are shed. A unique feature of the Burning Bush is the distinct, corky ridges, or “wings,” that develop along its greenish-brown stems.
Another prominent deciduous species is Euonymus europaeus, the European Spindle, which is also prized for its fall display, though its color tends toward brilliant shades of orange, purple, or deep red. While the flowers are inconspicuous, the European Spindle’s most ornamental feature is its showy, four-lobed fruit. These fruit capsules are typically pinkish-red and split open in the autumn to reveal seeds encased in a fleshy, bright orange aril. This combination of colorful fruit and foliage provides significant visual interest in the late-season landscape.
Practical Identification Tips
Leaf and Foliage Clues
Distinguishing between the evergreen and deciduous Euonymus varieties often depends on observation during the colder months. The most definitive test is examining the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins; if the plant still holds its foliage, it belongs to an evergreen or semi-evergreen species. Evergreen types generally exhibit leathery, thicker leaves that have a lustrous or waxy cuticle designed to minimize water loss year-round.
Stem and Fruit Clues
When a plant is completely bare of leaves, look closely at the stems and overall structure for diagnostic clues. The deciduous Burning Bush can be readily identified by the distinctive, flat, corky wings running longitudinally along the younger branches. Conversely, evergreen varieties like Euonymus japonicus have round, smooth stems without these pronounced ridges. The presence of dried, pinkish-red fruit capsules that have split to expose bright orange seeds also points toward a deciduous species, particularly the European Spindle.