Variegated Wintercreeper (also known as Fortune's Spindle)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Celastrales, Family: Celastraceae, Genus: Euonymus, Species: E. fortunei · Celastraceae (Staff-tree or Bittersweet family) · Simple, evergreen leaf
Species
Euonymus fortunei
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen leaf
Family
Celastraceae (Staff-tree or Bittersweet family)
Shape
Elliptic to ovate with an acute apex and cuneate base
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long, which is on the smaller side of the typical species range of 1 to 2.5 inches
Margin
Finely crenate-serrate (with small, rounded to pointed teeth)
Arrangement
Opposite along the stem
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and heavily naturalized in many introduced regions
Color & Pattern
Striking variegation featuring a deep green central blotch surrounded by a broad, irregular creamy-yellow to white margin
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and faint, branching lateral veins
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous), glabrous (smooth), and slightly glossy on the upper surface
Description
Euonymus fortunei is a versatile, woody, evergreen vine or shrub capable of climbing high up trees via aerial rootlets or spreading densely as a groundcover. Its foliage provides year-round interest, especially in variegated cultivars like this one, which brighten shady garden corners with their bright gold-and-green margins.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, leathery texture, finely toothed margins, and distinct creamy-yellow variegated borders surrounding a deep green center
Habitat
Thrives in various woodland habitats, thickets, and urban landscapes; adapts well to a wide range of soils from clay to sand, preferring partial shade to full sun
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan); widely introduced and cultivated as an ornamental groundcover globally, and considered invasive in parts of North America
Condition Notes
The leaf appears pressed, dried, and preserved under clear tape for an herbarium or educational project. It is structurally intact with good color retention, graded as Good for a preserved specimen.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many vines, Euonymus fortunei can transition from a creeping ground cover juvenile phase to an upright, flowering adult shrub phase once it climbs high enough into a tree canopy.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used extensively in landscaping as an ornamental groundcover, hedge, or climbing vine. Historically, some Euonymus species have found minor traditional medicinal uses, though this plant is largely valued for aesthetics rather than herbal medicine.
Ecological Role
Provides cover and nesting sites for small birds and insects. However, in non-native ranges (such as parts of North America), it can outcompete native understory vegetation and is frequently monitored as an invasive species.
Similar Species
Can be confused with other broadleaf evergreens or other variegated Euonymus cultivars, but distinguished by its opposite leaf arrangement and distinct crenate-serrate margins.
Foraging Tips
Look for cultivated garden beds, foundation plantings, and neglected yards where it often escapes into nearby woodlands; easily spotted year-round due to its evergreen nature and bright variegation.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and bark, contain alkaloids and glycosides that can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested by humans or pets.