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Reference · Crops

Staff-vine family

The Celastraceae family comprises approximately 90 genera and over 1,300 species of trees, shrubs, and woody climbers. Distributed globally, they are most notable in horticulture for the genus Euonymus. This botanical family demonstrates significant morphological diversity, ranging from evergreen tropical trees to deciduous shrubs adapted to cold temperate climates.

Main sections

Maytenus13 Lophopetalum12 Gymnosporia11 Elaeodendron10 Grass-of-Parnassus8 Kokoona5 Loeseneriella5 Microtropis4 Campylostemon2 Cassine2 Cuervea2 Apodostigma1 Bequaertia1 Brexia1 Canotia1 Glyptopetalum1 Gymnosporia1 Hippocratea1 Khat1 Maurocenia1
99 sections

What the section contains

American strawberry bush Euonymus americanus Apodostigma Apodostigma 1 item Attenuate euonymus Euonymus attenuatus Bequaertia Bequaertia 1 item Brexia Brexia 1 item Broad-leaved spindle Euonymus latifolius Campylostemon Campylostemon 2 items Canotia Canotia 1 item Cassine Cassine 2 items Celastrus angulatus Celastrus angulatus Celastrus dependens Celastrus dependens Celastrus flagellaris Celastrus flagellaris Celastrus gemmatus Celastrus gemmatus Celastrus glaucophyllus Celastrus glaucophyllus Celastrus monospermus Celastrus monospermus Celastrus paniculatus Celastrus paniculatus Celastrus rosthornianus Celastrus rosthornianus Celastrus stylosus Celastrus stylosus Cork-barked spindle Euonymus phellomanus Cuervea Cuervea 2 items Dwarf spindle Euonymus nanus Eastern wahoo Euonymus atropurpureus Elaeodendron Elaeodendron 10 items Euonymus aquifolium Euonymus aquifolium Euonymus dichotomus Euonymus dichotomus Euonymus echinatus Euonymus echinatus Euonymus frigidus Euonymus frigidus Euonymus ilicifolius Euonymus ilicifolius Euonymus myrianthus Euonymus myrianthus Euonymus nanoides Euonymus nanoides Euonymus nitidus Euonymus nitidus Euonymus oresbia Euonymus oresbia Euonymus planipes Euonymus planipes Euonymus schensianus Euonymus schensianus Euonymus vagans Euonymus vagans Few-flowered spindle Euonymus pauciflorus Fleshy euonymus Euonymus carnosus Fringed spindle Euonymus fimbriatus Glyptopetalum Glyptopetalum 1 item Grass-of-Parnassus Parnassia 8 items Gyminda latifolia Gyminda latifolia Gymnosporia Gymnosporia (Wight & Arn.) Benth. & Hook. f. 1 item Gymnosporia Gymnosporia 11 items Hemiangium excelsum Hemiangium excelsum Hill euonymus Euonymus clivicola Hippocratea Hippocratea 1 item Hooker's bittersweet Celastrus hookeri Horned spindle Euonymus cornutus Hybrid spindle Euonymus hybrids Khat Catha Forssk. ex Scop. 1 item Khat Catha Kokoona Kokoona 5 items Loeseneriella Loeseneriella 5 items Lophopetalum Lophopetalum 12 items Maurocenia Maurocenia 1 item Maytenus Maytenus 13 items Microtropis Microtropis 4 items Monbeig spindle Euonymus monbeigii Mortonia Mortonia Mystroxylon Mystroxylon 1 item

Staff-vine family

Botanically, plants in this family are distinguished by simple, often opposite leaves and small, regular flowers. The fruits are typically colorful capsules or drupes, often containing seeds covered by a fleshy, brightly colored aril. These characteristics not only provide visual interest in gardens but also serve as a vital food source for various bird species in natural ecosystems.

Cultivation requirements involve well-drained, nutrient-rich soils with a neutral pH. While many species are shade-tolerant, variegation in leaf color is usually most pronounced in specimens receiving partial to full sun exposure. Soil moisture must be consistent; therefore, providing irrigation during dry spells is a fundamental aspect of their standard agronomic management.

Maintenance includes routine pruning to manage size and density, particularly when used in hedge applications. Fertilizer application is recommended in early spring to support vigorous vegetative growth. In cold climates, young plants may require winter protection, such as mulching or burlap wrapping, to prevent desiccation and cold injury during severe winter frosts.

  • Monitor for spider mites, especially in hot, dry conditions.
  • Control scale insects that may sap vitality.
  • Treat for powdery mildew if humidity becomes excessive.
  • Conduct annual pruning to promote healthy branching.
  • Apply slow-release fertilizers in the growing season.

Economically, the family is primarily utilized in ornamental landscaping for its architectural form, autumn color, and attractive fruiting. Some species are used in pharmacology and traditional medicine, though this requires specialized knowledge. Constant vigilance against common pests and environmental stressors is essential to maintain the health and aesthetic value of these woody ornamentals.