Japanese Spindle-tree is a commonly planted exotic large shrub or small tree that occasionally escapes in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina, especially on barrier islands. The waxy leaves make Japanese Spindle-tree look like a plastic plant. Some cultivars may be chartreuse (as here) or variegated. The most similar species is the exotic invasive groundcover/vine Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei).

This, along with Japanese Holly, is one of the more common boring ball-shaped evergreen bushes used as house foundation plantings.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/31/10.

Young stems are bright green, like other Euonymus species.

Planted specimen, Durham, NC 5/31/10.