Euonymus verrucosus aka Warted Spindle

Euonymus verrucosus is a shrub in the Celastraceae family. It is deciduous, which means it sheds its leaves each year. Its common names include warted spindle and warty-barked spindle tree. Kew puts its native range from central Europe to central Japan. It grows in temperate regions, but is not native to Britain or Ireland. In the wild, it grows in woods with broad-leaved trees or conifers. It also grows by rivers and in ravines. Some plants grow on swampy ground.

The shrub has a bushy shape. The RHS describes plants about 10 feet [3 metres] tall. In gardens, its height and spread reach 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. It takes about five to ten years to reach full size. Dense growths like warts cover the bark of young branches. The deep green leaves are oval. Fine teeth line their edges. The leaves turn red in autumn, then fall.

Small purple-brown flowers grow in groups in late spring. Some plants then bear deep pink seed cases with four wings. The cases split and show glossy black seeds. Bright orange coats cover the seeds. The fruit adds colour, but it is not food. Plants For A Future lists no known uses as food or medicine. The RHS warns that eating the plant can cause harm. It advises wearing gloves and other protection when handling it.

Grow this shrub in sun or part shade. Give it soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and chalk. It grows in acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. Moist soil that drains well suits it. The RHS also lists well-drained conditions. It grows in both exposed and sheltered sites. The RHS gives it an H6 hardiness rating. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9. Its autumn leaves and bright fruit suit woodland edges and informal gardens. The RHS also suggests city gardens and courtyards. It lists planting that needs little care, too.

The shrub needs little pruning. Growers can raise it from seed or take softwood cuttings in summer. Pests may include vine weevil and caterpillars. Horse chestnut scale and euonymus scale may also attack it. Powdery mildew and leaf spot can affect it, too. The roots contain gutta-percha, a rubber that does not stretch. People use it for plastics and to insulate wires. Plants For A Future records this use of the material. It still rates the plant's overall usefulness as low.