Euonymus lucidus

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

Euonymus lucidus is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Shady localities in forests and valleys, 2400 - 2700 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 1

The bark is purgative.

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Other

Rating:

The fruit is used as a cosmetic. Wood - white, soft, close grained. Used for carving. The wood is also used for fuel.

Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Thriving in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Succeeds in light shade but does not fruit so well in such a situation. Grows best in sheltered woodlands. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. Only succeeds outdoors in mild areas of Britain, it can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification, so should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame. The seed can take 18 months to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, a number of plants in this genus are suspected of being poisonous and so some caution is advised.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

E. pendulus. Wallich.