Winterberry Euonymus

‘Verona’, sold as Prairie Radiance®, is a deciduous winterberry euonymus grown as a small tree or large shrub. Its green foliage colors in autumn, and the pink fruit capsules split to reveal reddish-orange seeds that can extend the seasonal display after leaf fall. ## Cultivar and form [North Dakota State University’s woody-plant study](https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/sites/default/files/2022-10/1999_Project_ND06210_Species_site_Adaptation_Study_of_Woody_Plants_for_ND.pdf) identifies Prairie Radiance as Euonymus bungeana ‘Verona’ and records it as an NDSU introduction. NDSU describes winterberry euonymus as rounded with semi-pendulous branches, red-to-pink fruit, and red fall color. The [NDSU Campus Arboretum profile](https://www.ndsu.edu/campus-arboretum/prairie-radiancer-winterberry-euonymus) gives a larger small-tree range, while the [Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder](https://plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?basic=mu&isprofile=0&taxonid=437887) lists 10–15 feet in height and spread. Published estimates differ, so allow ample room and treat the shrub form as a broad, long-lived planting. ## Siting Plant in full sun to part shade in adaptable, well-drained soil. Use it as a specimen or in a broad shrub border or grouping. NDSU notes that the fruit is toxic if eaten. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and prune selectively to retain the chosen shrub or small-tree form. In tree form, watch for shoots at the base and remove them when a clear trunk is desired.