species: Euonymus alatus
common name: winged euonymus
family: Celastraceae
where & when encountered: Old Westbury, NY - 1960's or 70's
I remember as a boy gazing at these "winged" stems - they leave quite an impression. The "wings" look like cork, and in fact are a form of it. Native to Asia, this shrub is grown ornamentally here in North America, but spreads easily and is now recognized as an invasive species. The fall foliage is quite striking, however (below).
The name and the THING are both intriguing.
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