Euonymus macropterus aka Large Winged Spindle

Euonymus macropterus is a deciduous shrub in the Celastraceae family. It can also grow as a small tree. Its native range covers parts of temperate eastern Asia. These include the Russian Far East, China, Korea and Japan. In Japan, it grows in mountain forests and thickets. Those forests include both mixed woods and stands of conifers. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This shrub has a broad, spreading shape. Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) in height and spread. The RHS also describes plants around 10 feet (3 metres) tall. Plants reach their full size within five to ten years. The oval leaves have fine teeth along their edges. Their upper sides are deep green, with paler surfaces beneath. The shrub sheds its leaves for winter.

Small greenish flowers grow in clusters in late spring. Deep pink seed cases follow the flowers. Each case has four wings and splits to show bright orange seeds. The bold fruit adds interest after the small flowers fade. Its spreading form suits informal gardens and woodland edges. The RHS also suggests city gardens, courtyards and architectural planting. PFAF lists it for woodland gardens with dappled shade.

Grow it in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam and sandy soils. The soil should drain well, with moisture available for growth. It tolerates acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Very acid soil may slow its growth. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. It needs little pruning and suits low-maintenance planting. Raise new plants from seed or summer softwood cuttings.

Watch for vine weevil, caterpillars and scale insects. These include horse chestnut scale and euonymus scale. Powdery mildew and leaf spot may also affect it. The RHS warns that eating this plant can cause harm. It also advises gloves and protective gear when handling it. PFAF records boiled young leaves as a food use. Yet it urges caution and reports no species-specific toxicity records. That food record does not establish that eating it is safe. PFAF lists no known medicinal or other practical uses.