Is wintercreeper an invasive plant? - Ask Extension
We purchased wintercreeper "Gold Splash" from local nursery. We missed the "invasive" nature of the plant until further research l...
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Is wintercreeper an invasive plant? #865380
Asked April 22, 2024, 9:34 AM EDT
We purchased wintercreeper "Gold Splash" from local nursery. We missed the "invasive" nature of the plant until further research later that day. We plan on planting in a prepared bed but away from any natural area. Any recommendations?
Also can you provide a more definitive definition of "invasive". On line resources were as usual contrary and vague.
Chittenden County Vermont
Expert Response
Mark
Thanks so much for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteers!
The best place for Vermonters to check before purchasing plants is the Vermont Invasives website. It is a great resource to learn what is (and what is not) an invasive plant in Vermont. And lets just clear the air and reassure you that your purchase of the Euonymus fortune (Wintercreeper “Gold Splash”) is not on the Vermont list of invasives.
https://www.vtinvasives.org/
I checked the Gallery of Land Invasives and Terrestrial Plants and I checked the “watch list” and did not find the Euonymus fortunei listed.
Before future plant purchases, you can always check back in at: https://www.vtinvasives.org/gallery-of-terrestrial-plants
What I did find was an interesting bit of information on the North Carolina’s (N.C.) Extension Service website. We just need to remember that the planting zones in N.C. range from 5b to 8b.
Excerpt from the N.C. Extension Service:
The berries resulting from the flowers are eaten by birds and the seeds are spread into the woodlands, with resulting shrub growth which can disrupt native plant habitats. The shrubs are difficult to eradicate.
Deer also like the plant. If used, spread can be reduced by planting it in shadier areas which slow or reduces the number of flowers and resulting seeds, thus reducing spread by birds. The foliage is the main attraction to the shrub.
The North Carolina (N.C.) Extension lists seven (7) alternative shrubs that are “better behaved”.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euonymus-fortunei-silver-queen/
I do hope this information has been helpful!
Thanks so much for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Volunteers!
The best place for Vermonters to check before purchasing plants is the Vermont Invasives website. It is a great resource to learn what is (and what is not) an invasive plant in Vermont. And lets just clear the air and reassure you that your purchase of the Euonymus fortune (Wintercreeper “Gold Splash”) is not on the Vermont list of invasives.
https://www.vtinvasives.org/
I checked the Gallery of Land Invasives and Terrestrial Plants and I checked the “watch list” and did not find the Euonymus fortunei listed.
Before future plant purchases, you can always check back in at: https://www.vtinvasives.org/gallery-of-terrestrial-plants
What I did find was an interesting bit of information on the North Carolina’s (N.C.) Extension Service website. We just need to remember that the planting zones in N.C. range from 5b to 8b.
Excerpt from the N.C. Extension Service:
The berries resulting from the flowers are eaten by birds and the seeds are spread into the woodlands, with resulting shrub growth which can disrupt native plant habitats. The shrubs are difficult to eradicate.
Deer also like the plant. If used, spread can be reduced by planting it in shadier areas which slow or reduces the number of flowers and resulting seeds, thus reducing spread by birds. The foliage is the main attraction to the shrub.
The North Carolina (N.C.) Extension lists seven (7) alternative shrubs that are “better behaved”.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/euonymus-fortunei-silver-queen/
I do hope this information has been helpful!
