Warty Spindle Tree

euonymus verrucosa

Also known as: ["Warty Euonymus","Spiny Euonymus"]

Family: Celastraceae Genus: Euonymus Category: Shrubs

Overview

A deciduous shrub or small tree native to parts of Europe and Asia, known for its distinctive warty stems and lobed leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Celastrales
Family: Celastraceae
Genus: Euonymus
Botanical Name: Euonymus verrucosa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sheltered spot
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight per day; adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to avoid scorching; place in partial shade during peak summer months.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Monitor leaf color for signs of sun stress; use shade cloth if needed; rotate plant for even light exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; avoid waterlogged conditions; amend with organic matter annually.

Temperature

Hardy in USDA zones 4–8; tolerates temperatures between -20°F to 90°F; prefers cooler temperatures in winter for dormancy.

Protect from frost in late spring/early fall; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid placing near heat sources.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly to avoid salt buildup; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing in late summer to allow for dormancy.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is mature enough to root.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam with good drainage.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rate.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; keep out of direct sunlight.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning of branches to improve air circulation; heading back to encourage denser growth.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.

Checklist

Disinfect tools, prune at the right time, make clean cuts, remove debris after pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil mix, handle roots carefully, water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the root zone without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf scorch or yellowing in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Leaves may wilt, turn brown, or drop; growth may slow or stop; can lead to dieback in severe cases.

Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or yellowing; reduced growth; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Choose appropriate fertilizer, apply at correct time, avoid over-fertilization, water after application.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Euonymus verrucosa can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Euonymus verrucosa is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Euonymus verrucosa are typically caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Euonymus verrucosa due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to mild toxicity from Euonymus verrucosa if they consume its berries or seeds. The plant can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to discomfort and mild symptoms. While not life-threatening, ingestion should be avoided.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea loss of appetite
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the plant to prevent ingestion. If a cat consumes any part of the plant, contact a veterinarian for guidance.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Euonymus verrucosa berries or seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not highly toxic to dogs, but consumption may cause discomfort and mild symptoms that typically resolve without serious intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from accessing the plant, especially its berries and seeds. If ingestion occurs, monitor the dog closely and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Euonymus verrucosa contains toxic compounds, primarily in its berries and seeds, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested. The plant's toxicity is not severe but can lead to unpleasant symptoms, particularly in children or individuals with sensitive digestive systems.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries seeds
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of berries and seeds. Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental consumption.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Euonymus verrucosa toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: Does Euonymus verrucosa attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with Euonymus verrucosa?

A: Common issues include leaf spots and wilting.

Quick Reference
Family: Celastraceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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