The leaves of Euonymus atropurpurea are simple, opposite, unlobed and finely toothed. The undersides of the leaves are pubescent, unlike the similar E. europaeus. It may assume the form of either a small tree or shrub.

The range of Euonumus atropurpurea is mostly south of Wisconsin, but it has been reported here from the southern three tiers of counties and as far north as Brown County in the east and St. Croix in the west. It is apparently short-lived and relatively uncommon.