Euonymus americanus - Spindle

The Euonymus americanus, also known as the American spindle tree, is a deciduous bush that differs from our European spindle tree with a more ample silhouette, branches that are almost as flexible as broom, and finer, leathery leaves that may resemble those of certain willows. It deserves to be discovered and planted for its magnificent fruiting, for the beautiful colours that adorn its foliage from late summer until autumn, but also for its ease of cultivation in all regions. Both rustic and unusual, it undeniably adds incredible charm to the late season, whether planted in a bed or in a free hedge.

Euonymus americanus (synonym Euonymus americana) is native to North America, from the state of New York to Texas and Ontario. It is a bush perfectly resistant to cold (-30°C (-22 °F)), well adapted to soil with a tendency for limestone, and with relatively low water needs. Like all spindle trees, it belongs to the family Celastraceae.

It has a bushy, wide, rounded and flexible habit. Its growth rate varies depending on the growing conditions. A mature specimen will reach an average size of 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) in all directions. Its slender, green branches are striate and slightly trailing. They bear deciduous foliage, which develops in spring and falls in autumn. The leaves, 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 in) long, are arranged opposite on the branches. They are narrow, elliptical, with almost smooth edges and a leathery texture. Their colour is rather light green until August. They start changing colour at the end of August or beginning of September, more rapidly if the bush is exposed to the sun. Shades of red to wine invade the lamina, until the foliage becomes yellow and orange to purplish in October, before falling. The inconspicuous spring flowering consists of small white-greenish flowers, which give way to very original, decorative and brightly coloured fruits. These are capsules with warty or spiny protrusions, somewhat resembling medlar fruits, pink-red in colour, generally spherical, 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter, with 4 to 5 lobes that open to reveal seeds with a bright yellow-orange aril. They are very beautiful but also toxic to humans. However, these very appetising fruits are a source of food for birds like the robin, even in winter.

Euonymus americanus is easy to grow and thrives in any properly loosened soil, in a sunny location that enhances its autumn colours. Its changing foliage and colourful fruiting make it an excellent choice for free hedges, adding a sumptuous touch that will captivate the gardener for long periods. With a medium size, it finds its place in a small garden or on a larger plot. Pair it with Berbéris, shrubby honeysuckles (Lonicera tatarica or fragrantissima), variegated holly, Cotinus, or Chinese Azaleas according to the nature of your soil. To highlight its magnificent autumn colours, also consider shrubs with golden foliage (Golden Lanterns Pheasant Berry, Sundance Mexican Orange Blossom...)