Japanese Euonymus
Euonymus japonicus · Celastraceae (Staff-tree or Bittersweet family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen leaf with a thick, leathery texture.
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acute apex and cuneate base.
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (with small, rounded teeth along the edge).
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the stem.
Venation
Pinnate venation with a slightly raised midrib, though veins are somewhat obscured by the thick leaf texture.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, thick leathery texture, glossy surface, finely toothed margins, and striking variegated yellow-and-green coloration.
Description
Euonymus japonicus is a dense, upright, evergreen shrub or small tree capable of growing up to 10-15 feet tall. It features dark green stems, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers, and occasional pinkish fruits that split to reveal orange seeds. Variegated cultivars like the one shown are especially popular for brightening shady garden corners.
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various well-draining soils including clay, loam, or sand, and exhibits good salt spray tolerance in coastal environments.
Native Range
Native to Japan, Korea, and China; widely cultivated and naturalized as an ornamental landscape shrub globally in temperate and subtropical zones.