Winter Creeper: Why This Easy Ground Cover Should Stay Out of Your Garden
If you’ve been browsing the garden center looking for an easy-care ground cover, you might have spotted winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei var. radicans) on the shelves. With its glossy evergreen leaves and promise of low-maintenance coverage, it might seem like the perfect solution for that tricky slope or shady corner. But before you reach for your wallet, there’s something important you need to know about this seemingly innocent plant.
What is Winter Creeper?
Winter creeper is a perennial shrub that’s anything but ordinary. This woody plant typically stays under 13-16 feet in height, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s well-behaved. It can grow as a sprawling ground cover, scramble up trees, or cascade over walls with equal enthusiasm. The plant goes by the botanical name Euonymus fortunei var. radicans, and you might also see it listed under its synonym Euonymus radicans.
The Problem: It’s an Invasive Species
Here’s the deal-breaker: Winter creeper is classified as invasive in North America. This non-native plant, originally from East Asia, has proven far too successful at making itself at home in our ecosystems. It reproduces on its own in the wild and persists without any human help – which sounds great until you realize it’s crowding out native plants that our local wildlife depends on.
Where Winter Creeper Has Spread
This invasive species has established itself across a wide swath of North America, including both Canada and much of the United States. You’ll find it growing wild in Alabama, Ontario, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Why Gardeners Should Avoid Winter Creeper
While winter creeper might seem appealing for its:
- Evergreen foliage that provides year-round coverage
- Tolerance for various growing conditions
- Ability to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5-9
- Low-maintenance nature
The reality is that these very qualities make it a problematic invader. Its adaptability and vigorous growth mean it can escape cultivation and outcompete native plants in natural areas. When we plant invasive species, we’re essentially giving them a head start in colonizing new territories.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of winter creeper, consider these native ground covers that provide similar benefits without the ecological drawbacks:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) – Perfect for shady spots with heart-shaped leaves
- Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny spurge) – A native alternative to the common non-native pachysandra
- Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) – Provides winter interest and supports wildlife
- Native violets – Early spring bloomers that support butterfly larvae
What If You Already Have Winter Creeper?
If winter creeper is already established in your landscape, consider removing it responsibly. This means:
- Disposing of plant material in municipal yard waste (never composting)
- Removing all root fragments to prevent regrowth
- Monitoring the area for several seasons to catch any regrowth
- Replacing it with native alternatives
The Bottom Line
While winter creeper might seem like an easy gardening win, it’s actually a loss for our native ecosystems. By choosing native alternatives instead, you’ll create a landscape that supports local wildlife while still getting the coverage and beauty you’re after. Your garden – and your local environment – will thank you for making the responsible choice.
Remember: the best gardens work with nature, not against it. When we choose plants that belong in our local ecosystems, we create spaces that are not only beautiful but beneficial for generations to come.
