corky spindletree

Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold var. apterus Regel

The name apterus marks a striking variation within burning bush: its branches lack the corky wings that make typical Euonymus alatus so recognisable. In cultivation, Bean’s dendrological account also describes a looser habit and leaves that are thinner and usually longer than those of the usual form. Trees and Shrubs Online: Euonymus alatus and var. apterus

Botanical name

ITIS accepts Euonymus alatus var. apterus Regel at variety rank. Trees and Shrubs Online includes it within E. alatus while retaining its distinctive wingless description. ITIS: Euonymus alatus var. apterus Trees and Shrubs Online: Euonymus alatus and var. apterus

Recognizing the plant

The species’ leaves are finely toothed, tapered toward both ends and carried on very short stalks. Small greenish-yellow to pale-green flowers appear in groups of up to three. Purplish fruits normally develop four rounded compartments joined near the base, although fewer may mature. A bright fleshy covering surrounds the seed. Flora of North America describes the deciduous foliage turning vivid red or reddish purple before it falls. Trees and Shrubs Online: Euonymus alatus and var. apterus Flora of North America: Euonymus alatus

Seasonal development

Britain, cultivated Euonymus alatus

Bean’s British garden account highlights the rosy-scarlet autumn foliage of the species. Trees and Shrubs Online: Euonymus alatus and var. apterus

Native range

The broader species is native to eastern Asia, with Kew’s range extending from southern Siberia through China to Japan. That species-level range includes populations in Korea, the Russian Far East and several adjoining island groups. Kew POWO: Euonymus alatus

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.