Help, new gardener, can't I.D. Backyard Bush

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by MichelleMcClain, May 23, 2006.

  1. MichelleMcClain

    MichelleMcClain Member

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    I have a bush in my backyard. I bought my house 2 years ago and it's from the late 1930's, so I have many old plants and trees.

    This particular bush is about 10-12' high. It has green flowers all over it and we've only noticed it bloom 2 years ago and again this year. The flowers are 1/4" in diameter. They are very pale green/yellow and have 4 petals. The branches begin from the ground and weave through one another to reach the top. They are not spiral, per se, but we've bound the bottom half to keep it controlled and they started weaving. The bark is brown with either very light brown or white vertical striping that follows the length of the branch. New shoots grow from the ground frequently. Please help. It also attracts honey bees and other insects that love the flowers.
     

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  2. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    Looks like a Euonymus, not sure which variety though..
     
  3. MichelleMcClain

    MichelleMcClain Member

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    You know, I started to research and I found Euonymus americanus L. which had the same flower color and branch, but 5 petals, not 4. No matter what pic I looked at it was always 5. So I followed your lead and came up with Euonymus-alatus compacta, aka Burning Bush. I saw the pics and right away remember what a vibrant red it is in the fall. I guess that would've helped, too. Thank you so much!!!
     
  4. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

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    cool, I couldnt see the usual squared stems in the pic, which is a good indicator of compact burning bush, aka winged burning bush. glad to see you figured it out.
     
  5. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    'Compactus' is a cultivar of winged euonymus. It has underdeveloped wings, so I wouldn't call it winged euonymus in preference to the type, which often does have prominent wings.
     

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