Winter Creeper ( Euonymus fortunei ) Identification

Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei) Identification
TRADE IN
Winter Creeper
(Euonymus fortunei)
Winter creeper is an evergreen woody vine that
creates very dense groundcover.
Use the information below to help you determine if
you have this plant growing in your yard.
Stems & Branches: The woody vine has young
light green stems that turn light gray and corky when
grown. Vines are able to grow up trees up to 70 feet.
Leaves: Winter creeper has dark green, glossy
leaves that are oval and slightly toothed. The leaves
are thick with a white-silver vein through the middle.
Flowers: Subtle, small, green-yellow flowers, with
five petals sprout mid-summer.
Fruit/Seed: The fruits are red-pink round capsules
that hold the plant’s orange seeds inside.
Threats/Damage/Reason to Remove: Winter
Winter Creeper (Euonymus fortunei) Removal
creeper poses a clear risk to New York's economy,
ecological well-being and/or human health and will be
listed as regulated under section 575.4 under 6 NYCRR
Part 575 Prohibited and Regulated Invasive Species
Winter was originally used as an ornamental groundcover
plant by humans. It is an aggressive plant that can
disperse native understory plants, and prevent sunlight
from reaching tree seedlings. The vine can smother
shrubs and trees as it clings to the bark and grows.
The plant spreads through seed, and vegetatively through
rootlets, easily taking over disturbed areas.
To Remove: Young stands of winter creeper can be hand pulled at the root, making sure all small rootlets
are removed. Mature stands will need to be cut back at the stems until manageable by using clippers to cut the
vine down from trees and to ground level.
Note: Just cutting the plant will not control it. It may re-sprout if just cut. Make sure to remove all roots and
stem fragments to ensure no re-sprouting.
GREEN UP
Native Alternatives Available at Trade-In Event
Note:
Species for
trade are
subject to
change or
may have
limited
availability.
The species
listed are
not
guaranteed
to be
available.
Bearberry
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Inkberry
Ilex glabra ‘densa’ or ‘compacta’
Lake George Association S P.O. Box 408 S Lake George, NY 12845
(518) 668-3558 S Fax (518) 668-4702 S www.lakegeorgeassociation.org