Winged Spindle Tree, Burningbush, Corky spindletree
Euonymus alatus

Family: Celastraceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Green, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Late spring, Mid spring. Form: Rounded.

Euonymus alatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen in October. 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): 2

Where it is found

Thickets and woods in lowland and mountains all over Japan.

E. Asia - Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves, boiled. The fruit may be edible. No further details are given, though we would recommend caution in eating any member of this genus. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter. The seed contains 20.5% protein, 44.4% fat and 3.9% ash. These reports of edibility should be treated with some caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The flowers are a tea substitute.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The stem and branches are alterative, analgesic, anodyne, anthelmintic, anticoagulant, antiphlogistic, antipruritic, astringent blood tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, hypoglycaemic, and purgative. It is used in Korea to treat intestinal worms, suppressed menstruation and cancer. A decoction is used in China in the treatment of 'cold' headache, general body aches, pruritis, irregular menstruation and other gynaecological diseases. Plants contain the anticancer compound dulcitol.

Anodyne: Relieves pain, it is milder than an analgesic.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Antiphlogistic: Reduces inflammation.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Blood tonic: Is this any different to a blood purifier?

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.

Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

Other

Rating: 0

This species can be grown as a hedge, the var. compactus is normally used.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Erosion control, Foundation, Hedge, Massing, Screen, Standard, Specimen. Thrives in almost any soil, including chalk, it is particularly suited to dry shaded areas. Prefers a well-drained loamy soil. A very ornamental and cold-tolerant plant, it tolerate temperatures down to about -25°c. There are some named varieties developed for their ornamental value. 'Compactus' is a more dense growing form for small gardens. Special Features:Not North American native, Invasive, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Inconspicuous flowers or blooms.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 8 - 12 weeks warm followed by 8 - 16 weeks cold stratification and can then be sown in a cold frame. 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 - 8cm long taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth: Medium

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. striatus.