Hamilton's spindletree
Euonymus hamiltonianus
Family: Celastraceae
What it is like
Euonymus hamiltonianus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to June. 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): 9
Where it is found
Scrub and woods to 2700 metres. Open places around villages at elevations of 500 - 2500 metres in Nepal.
E. Asia - Afghanistan to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves - boiled.This report should be treated with some caution since many members of this genus are poisonous.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Roots and stem yield gutta-percha, a non elastic rubber used as an electrical insulator and in making plastics etc. Wood - heavy, hard, close-grained. Used for mosaic, printing blocks etc. Th wood is used to make combs.
Latex: A source of rubber.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. Plants are hardy to about -15°c. A very ornamental plant, there are a number of named varieties selected for their good fruiting and autumn colour.
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, taken at a node, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Root cuttings in winter.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
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.