Euonymus fortunei (Non-native)

Common Name
Winter creeper
Wintercreeper
Climbing euonymus
Plant Form
Shrubs & Small Trees
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Considered Invasive?
Yes
Threat Level
Medium
Additional Info

Notes: Introduced from China in 1907 as an ornamental ground cover, and it is still commercially available. Now forests are being degraded by its rapid spread as it smothers wildflowers and overtops trees. It is reported as invasive throughout most of the eastern United States including Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia.

Additional Note: MGNV's Suggested replacement: Rhus aromatica is the "Gro-Low" cultivar (Rhus aromatica ‘Gro-Low’ (Fragrant Sumac))

 
Species-specific links
Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora - Euonymus fortunei
Master Gardeners Northern VA - Invasive Plant Factsheet
Blue Ridge PRISM - English Ivy and Winter Creeper
Gardenia: Native Plant Alternatives for this species
Additional links
Non-native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
Invasive Plants in Virginia’s Capital Region and Regional Native Alternatives
Reston Association: Invasive Plants Prohibited in Reston
Virginia House Bill 1941 (HB41)
Non-Native Invasive Plants of the City of Alexandria, Virginia (pdf file)

Photographer: Leila Dasher
Licensed under: CC BY 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Leila Dasher
Licensed under: CC BY 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: Leila Dasher
Licensed under: CC BY 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF):
Gallery of iNaturalist Research-grade Observations