Purpleleaf Wintercreeper

(Euonymus fortunei var. coloratus)

Celastraceae (Spindletree Family)

▲ winter coloration of foliage

Euonymus fortunei:  Wintercreeper Euonymus

Location on campus:  in Grand St. underpass, in raised bed on John Q. Hammons Parkway between Glass Hall and Meyer Library, by east doors to Carrington Hall, plus many other locations.

·         evergreen, opposite, ovate leaves with slightly serrate to crenate margins; leaves 2” long and ½ as wide

·         can spread along the ground (6-18” as groundcover), or climb walls/trees by aerial roots (going 40’ or more up walls/trees/poles); fast growing

·         prefers full sun to fairly deep shade, tolerates most soils except very wet soils

·         all cultivars/varieties subject to euonymus scale, a tiny white insect which can eventually kill out stems

·         cultivars/varieties:

o   var. coloratus:  (Purpleleaf Wintercreeper)

§  foliage turns deep maroon red in winter, particularly leaf undersides

§  very vigorous, fast grower; can be invasive