The leaves of Euonymus europaea are simple, opposite, unlobed and finely toothed. The undersides of the leaves are glabrous, unlike the similar E. atropurpureus, which has leaves with pubescent undersides. The growth form is often that of a small tree, or less often a shrub.

Euonymus europaea is an alien species from Eurasia, sometimes cultivated in Wisconsin and rarely escaping.