Euonymus fortunei (wintercreeper euonymus) is an invasive woody vine introduced from East Asia as an ornamental ground cover. It spreads vigorously by stems along the ground and climbing vertical surfaces, outcompeting native plants. Its dense growth can kill trees and shrubs. Effective control methods include repeated foliar spraying with glyphosate in fall, cutting stems and applying glyphosate to cuts, digging out roots, prescribed burns, and replacing with alternative native ground covers or vines.
2. Background/History
Introduced in 1907 as an ornamental
ground cover
Native to China, Japan, and Korea
Mostly occurs in the southeastern states
Still sold in nurseries
3. Life Cycle/Biology
An evergreen woody
vine
Grows as a climbing
vine or vining shrub
Has thick waxy
foliage
4. How to Identify It
Leaf
Opposite
Evergreen
Ovate shaped
Finely toothed or
wavy edged
Veined
Purple underside
5. Flower and Fruit
Flower
-inconspicuous
greenish white
-blooms midsummer
Fruit
-capsule splits to
reveal orange fruit
-matures in fall
10. Mechanical Removal
Pulling vines by hand or digging up
Remove all plant material
Place in trash bags
Do not place in compost piles
11. Foliar Spray Method
Use 3% Glysophate with the surfactant
Cidekick
Tradename Accord or Rodeo
Spray two times in the fall (September –
October)
Roundup can be used
12. Cut and Paint Method
Cut and paint vines
Important to remove vertical vines
Use shoe polish bottles containing 25%
Glysophate
16. References
Kaufman, S. & W. 2007. Invasive Plants:
Guide to Identification and the Impacts and
Control of Common North American Species.
pp. 81-83.
Solodar, John. 2005. “A Method for Control of
Euonymus fortunei Using Roundup Pro
(Glysophate).” Missouriensis. Vol. 26. St.
Louis, MO. pp. 1-7.
Slagle, M. 2004. Euonymus fortunei research
field notes. Litzsinger Road Ecology Center.
Notas del editor
Introduced in 1907 as an ornamental ground cover Native to east Asia including China Japan and Korea Mostly invasive in the southeastern states Still sold in nurseries due to its drought tolerance and rapid growth
An evergreen woody vine that grows as a climbing vine or vining shrub Spreads vegetativley by means of lateral roots Has thick waxy cuticle that makes it difficult to kill
Tolerates a variety of environmental conditions including poor soils, full to dense shade, and a wide pH range Grows in forests and forest gaps near urban areas Mainly occurs in the southeast but also found in New England and parts of the Midwest
Can reach 40 to 70 feet That impedes the growth of native species particularly spring ephemerals By depleting soil moisture and nutrients and blocking sunlight
Flower and fruit form only on plants that climb vertically Birds and other animals eat and disperse the seeds Seed also travel along Deer Creek
35 acres in Ladue 14 acres are woodlands and about 40% is covered with euonymus. Deer Creek runs through the property as well.
Use Accord or Rodeo because it does not contain a ionic surfactant that is detrimental to amphibians Rodeo does contain a surfactant that should not be used near water A study by John Solodar at Ruth Park sprayed four days in a row completely kills it Weed shipping or mowing vines to the ground and then spraying increases mortality rate Important to spray before dormancy period. Cuticle is beginning to break down
After a prescribed this past winter. The vines burned in the fire and we have been watching for resprouts
Since the plant is still sold in nurseries I thought I would give some alternative plants to replace euonymus fortunei in urban landscapes