How to identify Evergreen spindle (Euonymus japonicus)
Evergreen spindle, also known as Dwarf Japanese Euonymus , Golden euonymus, Japanese spindle
Evergreen spindle is a robust, broadleaf evergreen that typically takes the form of a dense shrub or a small tree. It commonly achieves a height of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) and a width of 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters), although it can grow substantially taller, occasionally reaching up to 26 feet (7.9 meters). Its woody structure and oval silhouette are characteristic, featuring a rich foliage that contributes to its lush appearance.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Dense shrub or small tree, 10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters) tall, oval silhouette.
Small flowers with unique greenish maroon color and vinegary scent, clustered in axillary cymes.
Striking spherical fruit capsule, 1/3 inch long (8.5 mm), with orange-red seeds and white arils.
Thin, leathery leaves, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long, dark green upper surface, lighter underside.
Consistent green stem with small dark glandular dots, slender, up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.
The leaves of evergreen spindle are thin and leathery, measuring 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 cm) in length. They are acute with a cuneate base and serrulate edges. The upper surface is a lustrous dark green, while the underside is lighter. These leaves are produced year-round and showcase a thinly coriaceous texture. Variegated cultivars often revert to green, and the leaves maintain a consistent, waxy glossiness throughout their growth.
The flowers of evergreen spindle are small and feature four partite segments. These greenish maroon blossoms appear in early summer, exuding a distinctive vinegary smell. The axillary cymes (adult form) display the flowers in clusters, aiding in their identification. Each flower typically measures around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter and their unique greenish maroon hue, coupled with their characteristic scent, make them easily recognizable to plant enthusiasts.
The stem of evergreen spindle is characterized by a consistent green color, gradually turning slightly woody as it matures. It exhibits a smooth texture with a series of small dark glandular dots on each side of the petiole. This unique feature aids in easy identification. The stem is generally slender and can reach diameters of up to 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), supporting a dense branching pattern. These branches are often upright and sturdy, contributing to the overall bushy appearance of the plant.
The fruit of evergreen spindle is a striking spherical capsule, typically around 1/3 of an inch long (about 8.5 mm), transitioning in hues from reddish, pink, or ivory to yellow. Upon ripening, the 4-valved capsule reveals its inner bounty, splitting open to display conspicuous orange-red seeds. The seeds themselves are ensconced in a striking contrast with their white, fleshy arils. This distinctive coloration and the glossy appearance of the seeds make the fruit highly noticeable against the foliage.
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Scientific Classification of Evergreen spindle
