Wide usage of this plant increases the probability that more will escape from cultivation. Euonymus alatus is native to northeastern Asia to central China. It is hardy to USDA Zone 4. Populations have been found in mature white oak upland forest and open, second growth lowland forest. Other populations have been found dominating pastures, the understory of shady hillsides, small ravines in valley floor forests, and glacial drift hill prairies.
Seed production is prodigeous.
Birds relish eating the fruit, and seeds passing through their digestive tract are viable. Seeds dispersed this way germinate easily and spread the infestation to other areas. Control of this plant is difficult because it produces a tremendous amount of seed. Larger plants and their root systems can be dug out with a spading fork or pulled with a weed wrench. The stump must be ground out or the re-growth clipped.