SPECIES CHARACTER
Description
Wintercreeper Euonymus is an evergreen vine forming a dense ground cover or
climbing or trailing to 20 or more feet (6.1 or more meters) high. It has aerial
rootlets and leathery opposite elliptic leaves that are veiny beneath. Numerous
cultivars exist that exhibit a range of leaf sizes and colors. Branches are
densely covered with minute warts. The small greenish flowers occur in
clusters, with a long flower stalk. Fruits are globose and smooth in an orange
capsule, maturing in June and July.
Similar Species
This vine differs from bittersweet (Celastrus sp.) which has alternate leaves,
and from other Euonymus spp. in that it is a vine. Wintercreeper Euonymus should
be accurately identified before attempting any control measures. If
identification of the species is in doubt, the plant's identity should be
confirmed by a knowledgeable individual and/or by consulting appropriate books.
Distribution
Wintercreeper Euonymus occurs infrequently in the eastern U.S. It was
introduced from Asia as a ground cover. In Illinois, it is found mostly near
urban centers, with reports from several sites in the East St. Louis area. It is
common throughout Giant City State Park in Jackson County, Illinois and spreading
rapidly into surrounding woodland areas. It is also locally common near Karnak
in Pulaski County.
Habitat
This species occurs as a cultivated plant at home sites. It has spread into
several types of forest, including floodplain, mesic and dry-mesic forest. It
invades natural openings and relatively undisturbed forests.
Life History
Wintercreeper Euonymus is a very aggressive perennial woody vine that climbs on
rocks and trees. It tolerates full sun, heavy shade, and most soil moisture
conditions, except extremely wet conditions. It appears to be spread by birds
that eat its seeds.
Effects Upon Natural Areas
At Fern Rocks Nature Preserve in Jackson County, Illinois, it has covered the
ground and vegetation in many places, actually eliminating native ground-cover
species in mesic and dry mesic woods. It is a serious potential threat because
it spreads so rapidly and replaces spring ephemerals.
CONTROL RECOMMENDATIONS
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES IN NATURAL COMMUNITIES OF HIGH QUALITY
Initial effort in areas of heavy infestation
Vines should be cut by hand and each cut stem sprayed with Roundup (a
formulation of glyphosate) just after the last killing frost. While the
Roundup label recommends a 50-100% concentration of Roundup for stump treatment,
a 20% concentration has proven effective. A squirt bottle may be used for spot
treatment or else individual stumps can be painted by hand using a sponge
applicator. Treatment should be in late autumn when most native vegetation is
dormant and prior to emergence of spring ephemerals. Care should be taken to
avoid contacting nontarget species with the herbicide. By law, herbicides only
may be applied as per label instructions and by licensed herbicide applicators or
operators when working on public properties.
Effort in areas of light infestation
In small areas, where practical, individual vines should be pulled up by the
roots and removed from the area by hand.
Maintenance control
The most effective control is to totally eradicate the species from the
surrounding area where possible. Invading individuals should be pulled and
removed as soon as possible after recognition.
RECOMMENDED PRACTICES ON BUFFER AND SEVERELY DISTURBED SITES
Initial effort in areas of heavy infestation
Same as above in areas where hand labor is available and where area affected is
relatively small. In large areas, foliar spraying with Crossbow (mixture of
2,4-D and triclopyr) in autumn after the first frost can reduce the population.
Crossbow should be mixed according to label instructions for foliar application
and applied as a foliar spray. Spraying should be prior to emergence of spring
ephemerals. Care should be used to avoid contacting nontarget plants with
herbicide. The herbicide should be applied while backing away from the treated
area to avoid walking through the wet herbicide.
Effort in areas of light infestation
Same as described for high-quality natural areas.
Maintenance control
Same as described for high-quality natural areas.
FAILED OR INEFFECTIVE PRACTICES
REFERENCES
Dirr, M. A. 1977. Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation, and uses. Stipes Publishing Co., Champaign, Illinois. 536 pp.
Fernald, M. L. 1950. Gray's manual of botany, eighth edition. American Book Co., New York. 1632 pp.
Mohlenbrock R. H. 1986. Guide to the vascular flora of Illinois. Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale. 507 pp.
Petrides, G. A. 1972. A field guide to trees and shrubs. Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston Massachusetts. 428 pp.
Schwegman, J. E. 1988. Exotic invaders. Outdoor Highlights, mid-March issue, pp.6-11.
Wharton, M. E., and R. W. Barbour. 1973. Trees and shrubs of Kentucky. Kentucky Nature Studies 4. The University Press of Kentucky, Lexington. 582 pp.
PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Kurz, Don. 1988. Natural History Section, Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri.
McFall, Don. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Olson, Steve. 1988. Division of Nature Preserves, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Tell City, Indiana.
Schwegman, John. 1988. Division of Natural Heritage, Illinois Department of Conservation, Springfield, Illinois.
Stritch, Larry. 1988. Shawnee National Forest, United States Forest Service, Harrisburg, Illinois.
Written for the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission by:
Max Hutchinson
Natural Land Institute
R.R. 1
Belknap, Illinois 62908