winged euonymus
ExplorePlants
winged euonymus
Euonymus alatus
The winged euonymus is a fun shrub with unique, wing-like growths on its branches. In autumn, its leaves turn bright red, making it a beautiful sight in gardens and parks!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The winged euonymus is a striking shrub known for its unique corky 'wings' that grow along its green branches. Its oval leaves are green through summer, transforming into an intense, fiery scarlet or crimson in autumn before shedding. Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers give way to bright red berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCelastralesFamilyCelastraceaeGenusEuonymus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
37
Interesting facts
Despite its beauty, this plant is considered an invasive species in many parts of the U.S.!
Even though it's a shrub, it can live for many decades, growing slowly over time!
Its scientific name, *alatus*, literally means 'winged,' referring to its cool branches!
The plant's fiery red fall color is so intense, it's often called the 'Burning Bush'!
Special abilities
Ability
Corky Wings
Winged euonymus has distinct corky 'wings' on its branches that make it easy to identify, especially in winter.
Ability
Fiery Fall Signal
Winged euonymus transforms into a brilliant red in autumn, a visual signal that helps birds spot its seeds for dispersal.
Ability
Berry Defense
Winged euonymus produces bright red berries that are toxic to humans and most animals, protecting its precious seeds.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 150-300 cm
- Spread
- 150-300 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar and pollen
eats
American robin
Turdus migratorius
consumes its bright red berries
eats
cedar waxwing
Bombycilla cedrorum
also feeds on its persistent berries
symbiotic with
red wood ant
Formica rufa
aids in seed dispersal
Traits
Deciduous
Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons.
Ornamental
Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Fall Color
Fall color refers to the seasonal change in foliage pigmentation, primarily in deciduous plants, displaying vibrant hues.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
Burning Bush
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not eat the berries without asking an adult, as they can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify winged euonymus?
The easiest way to identify winged euonymus is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How tall is winged euonymus?
150-300 cm
How wide does winged euonymus spread?
150-300 cm
How big are the flowers on winged euonymus?
0.5-1 cm
When does winged euonymus bloom?
Late spring to early summer
Is winged euonymus edible?
No
Is winged euonymus toxic?
Moderate
What is winged euonymus's lifecycle?
Perennial
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
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Recent Snaps
May 14, 2026
Huntington Center Historic Districti
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Where to spot
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