Leaves turning red in autumn

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by David Tang, Sep 27, 2023.

  1. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    Found this in Garden City Park.
    Just curious what it is. Please enlighten me.
     

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  2. Daniel Mosquin

    Daniel Mosquin Paragon of Plants UBC Botanical Garden Forums Administrator Forums Moderator 10 Years

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  3. wcutler

    wcutler Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator VCBF Cherry Scout 10 Years

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    Look for wings on some of the Euonymus alatus branches. One of the common names is winged spindle.
    20121017_QEPark_EuonymusAlatus_Cutler_P1340400.JPG
     
  4. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    Thanks a lot all.
     
  5. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    One of my favourite shrubs.

    EUONYMUS  ALATUS  COMPACTUS 29-09-2007 13-53-27.JPG EUONYMUS  ALATUS 03-03-2020 13-43-58.JPG
     
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  6. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    I can see the wings in my picture, but the fruits probably after spring.
    Thanks Silver surfer.
     
  7. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

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    The wings are thought to be an anti-browse defence against elephants / mammoths, etc. - chew the twigs, and (apparently!) the bark wings break up into an intensely bitter and astringent mouth-puckering dry powder.

    Just what I've read, I've not tried it myself!!
     
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  8. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    Nobody will try !
     
  9. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    he tiny flowers will appear in the spring.
    Berries are there now in the autumn/fall..see below

    . EUONYMUS  ALATUS  COMPACTUS 14-10-2006 11-08-53.JPG EUONYMUS  ALATUS  COMPACTUS 14-10-2006 11-11-59.JPG
     
  10. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    Thanks, might give it a closer look next time am around thwe park.
     
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  11. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

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    The mystery looks to be the version 'Compactus' dominant in North American horticulture and also perhaps what makes up most of the nuisance infestations in eastern American woodlands. This does not have the same level of wing development as the typical species.
     
    Last edited: Sep 29, 2023
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  12. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Interesting.
    My pics posted on 28th Sept showing red leaves and berries are from my plant in the garden.
    Bought as Euonymus alatus compactus...I have often wondered why it doesn't have the winged stems.
    Now that mystery has been resolved. Thank you Ron.
     
  13. Silver surfer

    Silver surfer Generous Contributor 10 Years

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    Just had a good look at your 1st images...see below
    I can see the seeds hidden amongst in the leaves.

    NiZ6QUV043d.jpg
     
  14. David Tang

    David Tang Active Member

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    Thanks for pointing out.
    Need to take my macro lens along !
     

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